MUGA Study

A MUGA (Multiple Gated Acquisition) study uses radioactively tagged red blood cells to track blood movement through the chambers of the heart. This test provides a very accurate and reproducible assessment of your heart’s pumping function.

Exam preparation

A CDI representative will call you prior to your appointment to review health and insurance information.
No special preparation is required.
You may eat and/or drink prior to having this test done.
Continue to take your usual medications as prescribed.
Because a few electrodes will be attached to your chest for the test, wear loose fitting clothing.
Please notify a member of CDI’s staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you may be pregnant.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration.

During the exam – what to expect

You will remain in your regular clothes.
An I.V. will be started in one of your arms and a small amount of your blood will be withdrawn and mixed with a small amount of radioactive solution.
After about 25 minutes, this ‘tagged’ blood will be re-injected back through the I.V. access and three electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm.
You will then lie down on an imaging table, and a special camera (gamma camera) will be positioned close to your chest to take pictures of your heart while you lie still. This part takes about 20 minutes.
The entire test will take approximately 60 minutes.

After the exam – what to expect

A cardiologist or specially trained radiologist will review your images and prepares a diagnostic report to share with your doctor.
Your doctor will consider this information in context of your overall care, and talk with you about the results.

Possible side effects

There are no reported allergic reactions or side effects related to injection of tagged blood cells.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local CDI center.