Heart MUGA Scan
What is a MUGA Scan?
This is a test in which a small amount of radioactivity is used to obtain pictures of your heart with a gamma camera. These pictures will show how well your heart is pumping blood around your body and it will help your doctor make a diagnosis.
What is involved?
A small amount of a non-radioactive pharmaceutical followed by a radioactive tracer (Technetium-99m) is injected into a vein, usually in your arm. The injection is no more painful than a blood test.
You will then lie on a bed in our imaging room. We will connect you to an ECG monitor (it monitors your heart beat) and a gamma camera obtains the images. You do not normally have to undress but we will ask you to remove any metal objects such as jewellery.
Is the radiation dangerous?
Is the radiation dangerous?
The amount of radiation you receive is small; it is comparable to that of an X-ray examination. The substances we inject are non-toxic and will not make you feel sick or drowsy. However, for radiation safety reasons pregnant women and children should not be brought to the Nuclear Medicine Department.
What about pregnancy?
Please tell us as soon as possible before the injection if you are pregnant
or think that you may be pregnant. All female patients between the ages
of 10 - 55 years will be asked to complete a form on arrival.
What about breastfeeding?
Radioactive substances can come out in breast milk. Please phone the Nuclear Medicine Department before your test if you are breastfeeding, so that we can advise you if you need to stop feeding for a length of time.
How long will it take?
The whole procedure should be completed within one hour.
Can I bring a friend or relative with me?
A friend or relative can attend with you but they will not be able to accompany you for the injection or scan.
Do I need to do anything after the scan?
You can eat as normal, but you should drink more than usual for the rest of the day to help wash the tracer out of your body.
Can I still look after children and pets?
Please try to avoid prolonged close contact with small children and babies for the rest of the day; this is to avoid exposing children to unnecessary radiation. The radioactive material you will be given will not affect any pets you may have.
Can I return to work after my scan?
There is usually no problem, but if your work involves radiation or close contact with children or pregnant women please ask Nuclear Medicine staff for advice.
What about my result?
We are unable to tell you the result of the test. The scan is reported by a Radiologist and the result is sent to the doctor who requested the test. However, the staff performing the test are fully qualified and will be happy to answer any other questions you may have.
If you have any further questions after reading this information
please contact:
The Nuclear Medicine Department (01202) 442499
References
This information has been produced by:
Head of Department: Mr Lars Jansson
Senior Medical Physicist: Dr K Dixon
Date Produced: February 2007
Review Date: February 2008
Responsible Clinician: Dr NK Robson, Consultant Radiologist
