What is a MUGA scan?
A MUGA scan is used to give us valuable information about how your heart is working.
The test will take about an hour in total.
When you arrive for your appointment we will insert a cannula into a vein in your hand or arm. We will then give you an injection of a drug called a red cell agent. You will then have a 30 minute wait before we give you a second injection of a small amount of radioactivity.
Neither of the injections will make you feel any different.
After the second injection we usually wait 5-10 minutes before starting the scan. The scan involves you lying down on a scan couch. We then connect you to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. You are then positioned underneath a special camera and the scan will begin. The scan can take up to 20 minutes.
If you have any queries or are unable to keep this appointment please notify us by telephone as soon as possible. This will enable us to offer this appointment to another patient on our waiting list. We are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 01253 953661.
Do I need to prepare for the scan?
You will be able to eat and drink as normal prior to your scan.
There is no need to get undressed for the scan but we will need to connect ECG electrodes to your chest so please wear a loose fitting top.
There is no need to stop any of your medication prior to your scan but we would like to know what medications you are taking so please bring a list of these with you.
If you have had an X-ray or Computed Tomography (CT) scan with contrast agent recently we would like you to inform us prior to your appointment. The contrast agent can sometimes affect the quality of the MUGA scan.
Do I need to do anything special after the scan?
After your scan you can eat and drink normally and you will still be able to drive. Drinking extra fluids for the rest of the day will help flush the radioactivity out of your body. The rest will disappear naturally. You are free to go home but please avoid spending a long time in close contact with young children or pregnant women for the rest of the day to avoid exposing them to unnecessary radiation.
How will I get the results of my scan?
The results will be sent to the hospital consultant who referred you for the scan. The results will be given to you by the doctor at your next clinic appointment.
How safe is the injection?
The injection contains a small amount of radioactive tracer which emits gamma rays (these are similar to X-Rays). We use the smallest dose possible to provide as much information as we can about your condition. The radiation dose is very low and is similar to the natural background radiation we all receive from the environment over a period of 2 years.
The results of your scan will give your doctor useful information about your condition and will help them plan your treatment. The benefits of having the scan far outweigh the small radiation dose you will receive.
Further guidance has been published by Public Health England. Visit website – https:// www.gov.uk/government/publications/ ionising-radiation-from-medical-imagingexaminations-safety-advice
Alternatively, use an internet search engine to search for “PHE medical imaging ionising radiation”
Is there anything I should tell the staff before the injection?
Please tell us if you are or may be pregnant. If you are breast feeding please ring the department a few days before your appointment.
Additional Information
Directions to X-Ray Central
X-Ray Central is situated in Area 4 off the main hospital corridor and is signposted. Please follow the signs for X-Ray Central and report to reception on arrival.
Relatives and Carers
If you require support during your appointment you may bring one accompanying adult with you. They will not usually be allowed into the examination room. If you have any additional needs, please let us know prior to your appointment.
Car Parking
Car parking is in the multi-storey car park at the main entrance of the hospital. Car park charges apply at this hospital. Please bring change with you if you are planning to park on site. You can pay via debit/credit card at the multi-storey carpark.
Other facilities available
At the main entrance to the hospital there is a Cafe and shops selling light meals and snacks. There is also a large restaurant for staff and visitors to use near to the main entrance.
