What is a multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) study and how do I prepare for it?
A MUGA scan is performed to assess cardiac (heart) function (left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiac wall motion abnormalities).
There is no special preparation for a MUGA scan.
What will happen during a MUGA scan and how will I get my results?
An intravenous line will be placed in the patient’s arm. A small amount of blood is withdrawn and placed in a vial so that the red cells can be mixed with radioactive tracer. The patient will remain in the waiting area for about 30 minutes. The patient will be injected intravenously with the tagged red blood cells and images will be taken while on a table with a gamma camera placed over their chest. ECG leads are placed on the chest. Each image takes about ten minutes. Total test time is about one hour.
The physician who interprets the scan will send a report to your physician, who will then share the results with you.
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