Nuclear Medicine MUGA Scan

Overview-
Cardiac function and wall motion can be evaluated by imaging the heart as it pumps tagged red blood cells through the blood stream. This test is ordered to evaluate for cardiac disease, coronary artery disease, as a chemotherapy evaluation, and also as a prognosis after myocardial infarction.

Preparation-
No preparation is necessary.

Length of exam-
Approximately 60 minutes.

How is the exam performed?
The nuclear medicine technologist will start an IV and draw a small amount of your blood. It will then be tagged with a radioisotope. After about 20 minutes, the blood will be reinjected back into your IV site. You will then lie flat on a table while the camera takes pictures of your heart. An EKG is attached during imaging to assist the computer in following the heart rate.

Results-
Please contact your physician for the results of your test. The results will be available within a couple of days.

This page is intended for education purposes only. This should not replace medical advice from your physician. Please call your physician if you have medical questions concerning your health. For any questions about the procedure, please contact the radiology department.