What is MUGA Scan (multigated acquisition scan)

MUGA scanis a test that creates images of the heart at specific times while it beats. The test involves having a radioactive dye (tracer) injected into the bloodstream.

The tracer lets the health care provider see red blood cells passing through the heart during the scan.

The test may be done while you are resting or while you are exercising. Having this test done while exercising can help determine if changes occur when your heart is under stress.

A MUGA scan shows:

• How much blood the heart is pumping out with each heartbeat.
• How well the chambers in the lower part of the heart (the ventricles) are working. Ventricles pump blood to the lungs and the rest of the body.

A MUGA scan may be done to determine:

• What is causing heart symptoms, such as chest pain.
• If your heart has been damaged by a heart attack or chemotherapy.
• If your heart has trouble pumping blood.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.
• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
• Any blood disorders you have.
• Any surgeries you have had.
• Any medical conditions you have.
• Whether you are pregnant, may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. This is very important.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

• An allergic reaction to the tracer. This is rare.
• Pain and redness at the IV site.
• Possible harm to your baby if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Being exposed to too much radiation over a lifetime can increase the risk of cancer. This risk is small, but it may occur if you have many exposures throughout your life.

What happens before the procedure?

• Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.
• Ask your health care provider if you will be having an exercise scan with your MUGA scan.
• Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
  • Starting 4 hours before your scan, do not drink any beverages that contain caffeine, including coffee, tea, and soda.
  • If you will be having an exercise scan with your MUGA scan, do not eat or drink anything except water starting 4 hours before your scan.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will be asked to lie down on an exam table.
• An IV will be inserted into one of your veins.
• Sticky pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs.
• Wires will be placed on the electrodes to connect them to a machine.
• A small amount of tracer will be injected through your IV. You may feel a cold sensation in your arm as the tracer enters your bloodstream.
• A camera will be placed over your chest. It will take a series of pictures while you lie still.
• If you are also having an exercise scan, you will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle. Then you will be asked to lie back down on the exam table for more pictures.
• After all of the pictures have been taken, the electrodes and IV will be removed.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

• You will need to drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This helps to flush the tracer out of your body.
• It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test, when your results will be ready.

Summary

• A MUGA scan (multigated acquisition scan) is a test that creates images of your heart at specific times while it beats. The scan shows how well your heart is pumping blood to the rest of your body.
• A number of different conditions can lead to your heart having a decreased pumping ability.
• It is up to you to get your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test, when your results will be ready.