Multiple Gated Aquisition Scan (MUGA)

What is a MUGA?

MUGA Scanning is a noninvasive test that evaluates how well your heart functions.  The procedure aids your doctor in determining the presence of heart muscle pumping problems without the use of cardiac catheterization and hospitalization.

MUGA Scanning uses a radionuclide called Technetium to image your heart muscle.  When Technetium enters your body, it binds with the red blood cells.  A special camera called the gamma camera scans your heart.  The radioactivity emitted from the Technetium in the heart is detected by the gamma camera, and a picture is made.  The picture will illustrate how well your heart muscle pumps.

A normal heart pumps very much like an opened hand closing to make a fist.  In comparison, an abnormal heart pumps much like an arthritic hand trying to make a fist.

Neither you nor any member of the nuclear medicine team encounters any significant risks from this test.  The camera is simply a detection device and does not give off any radiation.

Your Preparation
•  You may eat regularly up to 2 hours prior to your scheduled test time. 
•  You may take your medications the morning of your exam unless you are instructed otherwise.
Bring your meds with you

Procedure
•  When you arrive at the office, register with the receptionist.  You will be given a consent form to read and sign. 
•  After you register, a technologist will prepare you for the test. An IV will be placed in your arm and a small amount of blood will be drawn.
•  After waiting approximately 30 minutes the technologist will inject the radionuclide into the IV, place 3 small electrodes on your chest that will record the activity of your heart during the test. 
•  You will be placed comfortably lying down on the testing table and the camera will begin taking 3 sets of pictures, each lasting 10 minutes.
•  Upon completion of your test, you may leave the laboratory.  Your test results will be sent to your referring physician who will discuss your MUGA test results with you. 

Note:  Since radiation is involved with the procedure, please inform the technologist if there is any chance you may be pregnant.