International Journal of Human and Health Sciences. Supplementary Issue: 2021 
 

S25 
 

Second Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Malaysia and the Impact on 

Nuclear Cardiology Services: An Institutional Experience 

 

Ahmad Zaid Zanial1, Syifaa’ Aminudin2, FatinHayani Mohamad Najib3, Siti 

Zarina Amir Hassan1 
1Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur,2Pharmacy Department, Hospital 

Kuala Lumpur,3Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur 
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v5i0.316 

 

Introduction: Nuclear cardiology applying radioactive tracer and hybrid imaging techniques 

are able to provide information needed to detect and evaluate ischaemic heart diseases. In our 

centre, nuclear cardiology services involving stress and rest myocardial perfusion scans and 

viability studies contribute about 40% of overall scan workload. The second wave of COVID-

19 pandemic in Malaysia announced by the end of February 2020 has affected nuclear 

cardiology services. 

 

Objectives: Our aims were to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic second wave on 

the nuclear cardiology imaging studies performed as well as to ascertain crucial institutional 

experience especially unavoidable problem and adjustment during the period. 

 

Methods: A review of Technetium-99m tetrofosmin radiopharmaceutical dispensing data and 

scan records for 1st February to 31st August 2019 and 2020 was conducted at Nuclear Medicine 

Department, Hospital Kuala Lumpur. Figures were compiled and statistical analysis done. 

Survey and focus discussion conducted involving nuclear medicine physicians, pharmacists and 

physic officers to identify the main difficulty faced and most important Job-adapting measure 

taken. 

 

Results: A total of 1109 cardiac radiopharmaceutical doses dispensed during the studied period 

but were less when compared to 1342 doses dispensed last year. Significant reduction was noted 

in April and May 2020 with only 69 and 67 cases respectively in comparison with monthly 

average of 192 cases in 2019. Although some scan appointments were postponed to avoid the 

usual waiting area congestions, the main difficulty faced was Technetium-99m generator supply 

disruption with limited production in Europe and international transportation restriction. 

Implementing infection control standard operating procedure (SOP) instructions as part of 

routine work practice with emphasis of time, distance and shielding concept was the most 

important Job-adapting measure. 

 

Conclusion: Nuclear cardiology services were affected by the second wave of COVID-19 

pandemic locally. Main problem ascertained was disruption of radioactive supply. Most 

important adjustment was infection control SOP implementation. 

 

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, nuclear cardiology, experience 

 

 

http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v5i0.316