All tests performed at PMC are conducted by highly trained cardiac, echocardiography and pulmonary technicians. Our team works under the direction of a medical director who is board certified in cardiology, pulmonology and echocardiography.
We are committed to promptly reporting your test results to your personal physician or cardiologist to promote fast and effective treatment.
For more information about advanced cardiopulmonary diagnostic services at PMC, call 609.853.7888.
The Center for Cardiac & Pulmonary Care offers a comprehensive range of advanced diagnostic testing for cardiac and pulmonary issues, including:
Diagnostic Cardiology
- Echocardiogram
- Stress Echo
- Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE)
- Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Cardiac CTA and Calcium Scoring
- Nuclear Stress Test
- Cardiac Stress Test
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)
- Holter Monitoring
- Transtelephonic/Event Monitor
- Loop Monitoring
Pulmonary Procedures
- Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
- Bronchial Provocation Test (i.e., methacholine challenge) for diagnosis of asthma
- Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG)
- Co-oximetry
- Pulse Oximetry
Diagnostic Cardiology
Echocardiogram (ECG)
An echocardiogram, an ultrasound of your heart, is a painless, noninvasive procedure used to diagnose structural defects, coronary artery disease (CAD), cardiomyopathies, and the cause of cardiac murmurs. The Echocardiogram Laboratory at PMC is a sophisticated facility that has achieved national accreditation by the Intersocietal Commission for Accreditation of Echocardiography Laboratories (ICAEL). Our fully digital imaging system for echocardiography captures detailed images of valve function, blood flow and cardiac anatomy. Results are stored in a digital video that can be reviewed and interpreted by the cardiologist when evaluating and managing ongoing heart defects and valvular diseases.
Test Time – 1 hour
Stress Echo
A stress echo involves having an echocardiogram performed while the patient is at rest and again following physical activity to determine how the heart functions under stress. This test is used to diagnose coronary artery disease. Treadmill or pharmacological studies are performed.
Test Time – 1 1/2 hours
Trans Esophageal Echo (TEE)
A transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a special type of echocardiogram that detects if the heart is producing blood clots. Like an echocardiogram, it uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to examine the structures of the heart. However, with a TEE, a transducer (instrument that directs sound waves) is placed into the esophagus (the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach) so that it can get close enough to the heart to get a very clear picture.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Cardiac MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of the structures within and around the heart. Cardiac MRI is used to detect or monitor cardiac disease and to evaluate the heart's anatomy and function in patients with heart disease that developed before or after birth.
Cardiac CTA and Calcium Scoring
This is a test that evaluates calcium build-up around the heart.
Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear stress testing assesses blood flow to the heart to detect the presence or significance of coronary artery disease. The patient is injected with a radioactive isotope at rest and again at peak exercise. Each injection is followed by radiographic imaging of the heart to detect the presence of the injected compound. The stress portion of the test may be achieved on a treadmill or induced pharmacologically with either Persantine, Adenosine or Dobutamine.
Test Time – 3 to 4 hours
Cardiac Stress Test
A cardiac stress test utilizes continuous EKG (electrocardiogram) to
determine the presence or absence of heart disease and/or evaluate the effectiveness of current therapy for a cardiac condition. During this test, you will either walk on a treadmill or take a medication that makes your heart work harder.
Test Time – 1 hour
Electrocardiogram (EKG)
PMC’s electrocardiogram technology records electrical activity of the heart, quickly providing essential information about heart rhythm, condition and function while also identifying ischemic changes and irregular beats. The PMC's EKG Management System is fully networked within the hospital and with other Princeton Health facilities for fast sharing, review and interpretation of EKGs.
Test Time – 15 to 20 minutes
Holter Monitoring
The holter monitor is a personal device worn by the patient that records electrical signals of the heart during a 24-hour period. The device aids in the detection of abnormalities in heart rhythm or the cardiac conduction system. Symptoms such as palpitations, fainting spells, dizziness and chest discomfort can be recorded and used to correlate a patient’s symptoms with cardiac rhythm.
Test Time – Device is worn for 24 hours
Transtelephonic/Event Monitor
The transtelephonic/event monitor records intervals of a patient’s cardiac electrical activity whenever the patient experiences transient cardiac symptoms during his or her daily activities. The device helps determine the presence or absence of clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias. The recording is sent via telephone to a receiving station where the data is interpreted by a physician.
Test Time – Device is used for two to three weeks
Loop Monitoring
For patients with intermittent symptoms or cardiac events, loop monitoring provides an effective, patient-activated approach to recording valuable EKG data prior to and after the patient experiences a symptom.
Test Time – Device is used for two to three weeks
Pulmonary Procedures
Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)
A pulmonary function test determines the origin and extent of respiratory disease and response to therapy. PFTs are also effective for preoperative evaluation of lung function.
Test Time – 1 hour
Bronchial Provocation Test
The bronchial provocation test, also known as methacholine challenge, assists in the diagnosis of asthma (bronchial airway hyperactivity) by measuring expiratory flow rates.
Test Time – 1 to 2 hours
Arterial Blood Gas Test (ABG)
An ABG is used to determine the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide and blood PH in a patient’s blood.
Test Time – 30 minutes
Co-oximetry
In patients afflicted by smoke inhalation and/or carbon monoxide, co-oximetry blood sampling helps determine the level of carbon monoxide present in the blood.
Test Time – 30 minutes
Pulse Oximetry
Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive method used to detect a patient’s oxygen level.
Test Time – 30 minutes