Overview

A MUGA scan provides information about the heart's ability to pump blood. A series of images is produced showing how blood travels through the heart. The amount of blood pumped by the heart during each beat is calculated so that the strength of the heart muscle can be assessed.

Preparation for Your Exam

No preparation is necessary. Plan on a total of one and a half to two hours in nuclear medicine.

During the Exam

First, an intravenous line will be placed in your arm. A small amount of blood will be withdrawn. This blood will be combined with a radioactive substance that can be visualized by a special camera. This blood labeling procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.

Next, you will be connected to a heart monitor. As you lie on your back on a table, your labeled blood will be injected back into you through the intravenous line. You will not feel anything from this injection. A camera will be placed near your chest. Images of your heart will be taken from three different angles. The labeled blood highlights your heart and produces a picture of your heart's structure and function. The imaging procedure takes approximately 45 minutes.