Left Ventricular Function Study

(Also called: multiple-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan)

Purpose

The left ventricular function study is a nuclear cardiology test that provides detailed information about blood flow in the heart and the pumping function of the heart during rest. A radioactive tracer added to the patient’s blood lets doctors view heart function using a scanner called a SPECT camera. SPECT stands for single photon emission computed tomography. The test takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

Description

1. A nuclear medicine technologist discusses the test with the patient. The patient is asked to sign a Nuclear Cardiology Registry Consent Form, which allows the department to keep an electronic record of the test in a secure database.
2. The patient is given an injection in the vein of one arm with a compound which prepares the blood for the tracer. After a 30-minute waiting period, a blood sample is obtained to be mixed with a radioactive tracer. After 10 minutes, the patient’s radioactive blood is re-injected. The patient should not feel any effects from these injections.
3. Images of the heart can then be obtained for a period of 30 minutes. The patient is asked to lie down on the camera bed and electrocardiogram leads are placed on the chest to monitor the heart rhythm. The SPECT camera is positioned close to the patient’s chest for imaging.
4. The nuclear medicine technologist processes the pictures. A physician experienced in the interpretation of the studies interprets the results of the test. The report is sent to the patient’s doctor.

Patient Instructions

There are no dietary restrictions associated with this test. The patient should eat and drink and take all medications as usual beforehand.