Cardiac PET/CT
FLYRCADO™ vs. Rubidium-82: Choosing a Cardiac PET/CT Protocol
Choosing between Rubidium-82 and FLYRCADO™ (flurpiridaz F 18) changes how a mobile Cardiac PET/CT scan day is organized. Rubidium-82 is produced from a generator; FLYRCADO can be supplied through regional radiopharmacies as unit doses. Your clinical team chooses the protocol, while patient volume, supply logistics, staffing, and the mobile schedule shape the service plan.
Why Cardiac PET/CT instead of SPECT
Cardiac PET MPI combines perfusion imaging with myocardial blood flow quantification. ASNC’s current position recommends PET MPI with blood flow, when available, for patients who meet criteria for myocardial perfusion imaging.
*Clinical context: ASNC’s January 2026 statement recommends PET MPI with myocardial blood flow, when available, for patients with suspected coronary artery disease who meet criteria for MPI. Read ASNC’s position. The Rb-82 timing refers to complete rest/stress acquisition, not the full patient visit. Timing and radiation dose vary by agent and protocol; CT adds radiation exposure. See the ASNC/SNMMI Rb-82 guidance and current FLYRCADO prescribing information. Your clinical team determines patient selection and the protocol.
Rubidium-82 and FLYRCADO™, side by side
Planning tracer supply for a mobile scan day
- Generator availability and replacement arrangements
- Required quality control and radiation-safety responsibilities
- Patient volume, staffing, and the mobile schedule
- Regional radiopharmacy coverage for your site
- Delivery windows aligned with patient appointments
- Your clinical team’s rest and stress workflow
FLYRCADO’s unit-dose distribution is described by GE HealthCare. Review the current FLYRCADO prescribing information and the generator product’s labeling with your nuclear medicine team when planning supply and quality control.
The codes your billing team will ask about
Both tracers have established reimbursement pathways. These are the codes on our current imaging agent list. Your Shared Medical Services team can walk through availability and reimbursement details for your facility.
Both protocols on one mobile unit
Every mobile Cardiac PET/CT unit from Shared Medical Services supports both protocols, so you can choose by schedule and volume, not by equipment. Each unit arrives with patient monitoring equipment, image post-processing, and certified Technologists, depending on your location and needs. Your team keeps physician supervision, stress infusion, and scheduling. See everything that comes on the unit.
Questions
What is FLYRCADO™?
FLYRCADO™ (flurpiridaz F 18) is a PET myocardial perfusion imaging agent supplied as unit doses, so no generator is required.
Can one mobile unit run both protocols?
Compatible SMS systems can support both protocols. Discovery™ IQ supports FLYRCADO™ only. For Rb-82, the generator travels on board. For FLYRCADO, confirm delivered-dose availability and the rest/stress workflow for your site.
Does unit-dose FLYRCADO mean a single-injection study?
Unit dose describes how the tracer is supplied, not the number of injections in a complete study. FLYRCADO prescribing information describes separate rest and stress doses. Your clinical team determines the protocol under the current prescribing information.
We deliver what’s next.
Bring your projected volume, preferred tracer, and proposed scan days to your regional team. We’ll help you work through the mobile unit, site, and staffing arrangements that fit your facility.