What is a MUGA scan?
A MUGA scan is used to see how well the lower chambers of your heart (ventricles) pump blood. It measures your ejection fraction (EF). Your EF is the amount of blood pumped out of your heart each time it beats. The test uses a small amount of radioactive tracer and a gamma camera to capture pictures of your heart as it pumps blood.
Why is my EF important?
A normal EF is between 50% and 75%. If your EF is lower than 50%, you may have a heart condition, such as:
- Heart failure.
- Weak heart muscle (cardiomyopathy).
- Valve disease.
- Coronary artery disease.
If your EF is higher than normal, your heart muscle may be thicker than normal (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy).
Is the tracer used in the MUGA scan dangerous?
No. The amount of radiation from the test is similar to the dose used during a CT scan.
How do I prepare for the test?
- You do not need to do anything special to get ready for the test.
- You will wear a hospital gown during the test.
- Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Tell the technologist doing the scan about any allergies you have.
How long does the test take?
- The test takes about an hour.
What happens during the test?
- You will get an IV that is used to collect a small amount of blood. The tracer will be added to the blood. This process takes about 30 minutes. You will stay in the waiting room during this time.
- The blood with the tracer will go into your bloodstream through the IV.
- You will have an EKG to keep track of your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
- You will lie still on an exam table. The gamma camera will be above your chest. The camera will take 1 to 3 pictures as your heart beats. Each image takes about 10 minutes to complete.
What happens after the test?
You can go back to your normal activities right after the test.
How will I get my test results?
The cardiologist will review the results and share them with the healthcare provider who ordered the test.
