MUGA Scan

Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive.

Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.

Your doctor has requested a MUGA Scan for you and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.

Please read through everything very carefully.

What is this study going to show?

The purpose of this study is to obtain the ejection fraction of the left ventricle to give an indication of heart function. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.

Please allow approximately one to two hours for the study.

Is the radioactivity harmful?

Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low.  The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you.  This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.

Preparing for the study

No specific preparation is required. You may eat and drink as normal.

What does the study involve?

PYP Injection

At the beginning of the study we will inject a compound into a vein in your arm which will attach to your red blood cells.

Radioactive tracer Injection

20-30 minutes after the first injection a second injection of a small amount of radioactive tracer is done in a different vein in your arm.

You will be having your MUGA scan straight after this which will take approximately 30 minutes.

MUGA Scan

Before the MUGA scan you will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects from your chest.

You will lie on the scanning bed and pictures of your heart will be taken using a gamma camera. The camera will be close to your chest, and you will need to stay as still as possible. The scan will take approximately 30 minutes.

How long does the test take?

Your stay with us will be in between 1-2 hours.

Further information

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.

Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415

If you are currently on any medication please continue having them. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room.  Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).   

What measures I have to take?

We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body.

What happens to the study results?

A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.

Contact information

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415