What is a MUGA scan?

A multigated acquisition scan (also known as an equilibrium radionuclide angiography or blood pool scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic test used to assess the ventricular pumping performance (lower chambers of the heart). A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein during the test. The radiation emitted by the tracer is detected by a special camera called a gamma camera, which produces computer-generated movie images of the beating heart.

 
 

Dr. Labovitz explains what MUGA Scan is, how it works, and why it's used.

 
 

Why is it done?

Your doctor may want to examine the efficiency with which your heart pumps blood. A MUGA scan can assist your doctor figure out why you're having:

  • Pain in the chest (angina)

  • Breathing problems

  • Dizziness

  • Tiredness

If other tests (such as an ECG or EKG) indicate you may have a cardiac condition, your doctor may utilize this scan to see how much blood your heart pumps with each beat. It's possible that your heart isn't pumping enough blood to keep up with your body's demands. This is referred to as heart failure.

What can you expect during the test?

This is how the operation is expected to go:

  • Electrodes are little, round items that your doctor or a technician places on your body. To monitor your heart rate, these electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG or EKG).

  • You'll lie down on a table or a special bed if you're doing a resting exam.

  • An IV line is placed into a vein in the arm.

  • To boost your red blood cells' ability to absorb the tracer substance, a medication is injected into your arm.

  • A radionuclide is a chemical tracer that is delivered into your arm through an IV line.

  • A gamma camera is positioned above your chest to record multiple photos of your heart from various angles, ensuring that every portion is seen in the final images. Every time your heart pumps blood, the camera takes a picture so your doctor can observe how blood is pumping over time at the same point in your heartbeat in each image.

  • If you're doing an exercise test, you'll be asked to walk on a treadmill until your heart rate hits its maximum rate during regular exercise. After that, you'll lie down on a table to complete the scan.

A MUGA scan might take anything from one to two hours.

After the exam is over, you will be able to return home. To help remove the chemical tracer from your body, drink plenty of water. After two days, the tracer should be completely washed out.

How to prepare for a MUGA scan?

This test requires no special preparation; there are no medication or food restrictions.

Wear loose-fitting, easy-to-remove clothing, since you may be required to wear a hospital gown throughout the exam.

What happens after the test?

Following the exam, you can continue your daily activities.

A written report of the test findings will be given to the doctor who referred you for the test. Make a time to talk about the results and future actions.

 

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