MUGA Scan

What is a MUGA Scan?

A MUGA Scan is performed to evaluate the left ventricle of the heart in conjunction with shortness of breath, chest pain and oncologic conditions related to chemotherapy treatment.

What takes place during the test?

A small needle or IV will be placed in the arm where it will remain throughout the test. You will then be injected with a radionuclide material. Twenty minutes following injection you will be injected with a second radionuclide dose, connected to a heart monitor and scanned for approximately 45 minutes. During the scan, you will lie on the imaging table with the camera positioned above or below you while several images are taken.

How long will the test take to complete?

Approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes.