MUGA

What is it
MUGA is an acronym (short form) for Multi-Gated Acquisition. MUGA was first introduced in the early 1970s and quickly became accepted as the preferred technique for measurement of LVEF with a high degree of accuracy. Several early studies demonstrated an excellent correlation of MUGA-derived LVEF with values obtained by cardiac catheterization contrast ventriculography. Multi-Gated Acquisition is a form of Ventriculography, which is performed by using radioisotope i.e. Technetium 99m (Tc99m). The RVG is performed by labeling the patient's red blood pool with a radioactive tracer and measuring radioactivity over the anterior chest, with a suitably positioned gamma camera, as the radioactive (labeled) blood flows through the large vessels and heart.

Why is it done?
This study accurately measures the ejection fraction of the ventricles, at rest as well as on exercise, in a direct 3D domain.
This helps to determine the performance response of the heart to exercise/ stress.

How is it done?
First an in-vivo labeling of the blood pool is achieved with a gamma ray emitting medical radioisotope. A study is acquired under the Gamma Camera at rest.Then the patient is asked to exercise on the ergometer under monitoring. The study is acquired under the Gamma Camera at exercise. In case of Rest MUGA the test is done only at rest.

When it is done/advised ?
1. For follow-up of patients after CABG or PTCA.
2. For categorizing the low ejection fraction patients.
3. Diagnosis and assessment of functional impact of Ischaemic heart disease/ Coronary artery disease.
4. Determination of Right ventricular performance/ detection of right ventricular infarction..

Before ... Precautions & prerequisites

You have to contact the Nuclear Medicine department for getting a prior formal appointment and instructions for the study.
You can contact the department on phone/ you may come personally/ or may send your attendant to the department for taking the appointment.
Our Contact Phone No: 68 25 000 Extension 4057.
68 25 001
The department is situated in the main building ground floor of the institution.
Take an appointment for the study as mentioned above.
Follow the instructions given, which generally are as follows:
Take light breakfast on the day of the test.
Stop/ allow Cardiac Medicines on the day of the test as adviced. (Please keep the medicines with you).
Bring your old medical records.
You will generally be called at 11:30 am for the study and may be required to be in the department for 3-4 hrs.
An adult/ responsible attendant should accompany the patient.
The appointment is strictly subject to the availability of the radioactive medicine (Tc99m). Please confirm the availability of the medical radioisotope according to the instructions given at the time of the appointment.
* Department/ hospital is not responsible for last-moment non-availability of medicinal radioisotope due to reasons beyond our control.

Tariff
Stress MUGA: Rs. 3300/-
Rest MUGA: Rs. 2200/-