Multiple Gated Acquisition (MUGA) Scan
What is a MUGA scan?
A MUGA nuclear scan (also called a cardiac LVEF, nuclear ventriculogram or
radionuclide scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic test used to evaluate the pumping function of the ventricles
(lower chambers of the heart). During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein.
A special camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer-generated
movie images of the heart. The MUGA scan is a highly accurate test used to determine the heart’s pumping function.
How should I prepare for the test?
- There is no special preparation required for this test; there are no medication or food restrictions.
- Wear comfortable clothes that can be easily removed, as you may be asked to wear a hospital gown during the test.
What happens during the test?
 First, a nuclear medicine technologist injects a small amount of stannous chloride into a vein in your arm. This substance prepares your red blood cells for a second injection of a radioactive solution that will take place 30 minutes later. This combination of injections “tags” your red blood cells with a radioactive tracer that can be detected by the camera.- For the imaging part of the test, a technologist will attach three electrodes (small, round sticky patches) to the skin of your chest. Men may have their chest hair shaved to allow a better connection. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG) that charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
- The technologist will ask you to lie on the exam table under the gamma camera. The camera is focused on the heart and analyzes the amount of radio-labeled red blood cells pumped out of the heart with each heartbeat. This test calculates your ejection fraction, a measurement of how well your heart pumps with each beat.
A normal ejection fraction ranges from 50-70%. An ejection fraction of 0.65, for example, means that 65% of the total amount of blood in the left ventricle is pumped out with each heartbeat. The ejection fraction may be lower when the heart muscle has become damaged due to a heart attack, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), or other causes.
|
Are there any side effects from the injections during the test?
Because the injected medications contain only a minimal amount of the carrier drug, there are no significant adverse or allergic reactions. The radioactive tracer used during the MUGA scan is a diagnostic dose of radiation that is similar to the dose you would receive during a CT scan and is not harmful.
How long will the test take?
The MUGA scan takes about one to two hours to perform.
What happens after the test?
You can resume your normal activities right after the test.
How will I get my test results?
After the cardiologist reviews your test, the results will go into your electronic medical record. Your referring physician will have access to the results and will contact you to discuss them.
For more information, call the Heart Center Resource Nurse at 216/445-9288 or toll-free 866/289-6911 or e-mail us using the Contact Us form. We would be happy to answer your questions.
© Copyright 2006-2008 The Cleveland Clinic Foundation. All rights reserved. 2/08 |
