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What is a MUGA scan?

Radionuclide ventriculography or radionuclide angiography is often referred to as a MUGA (multiple-gated acquisition) scan. It’s a type of nuclear imaging test. This scan shows how well your heart is working. 

Why do people have a MUGA scan?

Your health care professional may want to check how well your heart pumps blood. A MUGA scan helps your health care team learn more about symptoms of poor or reduced heart function.

Your health care professional may use this scan if other tests, such as an electrocardiogram (EKG), show you may have a heart problem. It will show how much blood the heart pumps with each beat. Your heart may not be pumping enough blood to meet your body’s needs. This is called heart failure.

During the MUGA scan, a small amount of a radioactive tracer is put into your blood. The tracer attaches to your red blood cells. A special camera takes pictures of your heart. This lets your health care team see the blood inside your heart’s pumping chambers (ventricles). The pictures are taken at the same time during each heartbeat. A computer analyzes the pictures. The pictures show:

• If areas of your heart muscle aren’t contracting normally
• How well your heart pumps blood

These tests may be done while you’re resting or exercising. An exercise stress test gives your health care team a better idea of how well your heart handles work. It helps them decide the kind and level of exercise that is right for you.

What are the risks of a MUGA scan?

The tracer you receive is safe for most people. Your body will get rid of it through your kidneys within about 24 hours. There is a risk of radiation exposure, bleeding and allergic reaction. If you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you’re a nursing mother, don’t have this test. It could harm your baby. 

How do I get ready for my test?

• For a resting scan, you may be asked to avoid tobacco and caffeine for several hours before the test.
• For an exercise scan, don’t eat or drink anything except water for four hours before your test. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes.
• Your health care professional will explain any medication changes you may need to make to prepare for the scan.

What happens during my MUGA scan?

• A technician usually performs the scan at a hospital or clinic.
• During the scan, the technician places small metal disks (electrodes) on your chest, arms and legs. The disks have wires that hook to an electrocardiograph machine to record your EKG. The EKG tracks your heartbeat during the test.
• An IV is put into a vein in your arm. You are given the tracer through the IV line. For a resting scan, you will lie on a table with a special camera above it. The camera will take pictures of your heart while you’re resting.
• For an exercise scan, you will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle until you reach your peak activity level. Then, you’ll stop and again lie on a table while the camera takes pictures of your heart.
• The tests take one to two hours. 

What happens after a MUGA scan?

• You can usually go back to your normal activities right away.
• You should drink plenty of water to flush the tracer from your body.
• The health care professional who sent you for the test will get a written report of the test results. Then, you will have an appointment to discuss the results and next steps.