How to Prepare
Please bring with you a list of your current medications. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
Checking In
When you arrive at the
Nuclear Cardiology Lab, check in at the reception desk. Please have the following ready:
- Health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card). Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
- Your name, address and birth date.
Before the Radionuclide Angiography Test (MUGA)
When you check-in, the receptionist will give you a name band to wear. The technologist will call you when it is time for your test. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown. There are lockers for your clothes in the changing area, but you should keep your valuables with you.
When you have finished changing, a technologist will take you into the room. They will explain the procedure.
During and After the Radionuclide Angiography Test (MUGA)
A technologist will explain the test to you and ask about your medical history and medications. You'll then be given two needles about 20 to 30 minutes apart. The first injection is a preparation for the second injection which is the radioactive tracer. Then the technologist will do an ECG and check your blood pressure and heart rate.
You'll be asked to lie down on a bed so a special camera can take pictures of your heart from 3 or 4 angles. Each picture takes 5 to 10 minutes, and it's very important that you don't move while these are being taken.
The supervising doctor may change some details in the procedures. The test might take longer if a scan needs to be done, emergency cases come to the department or there are unexpected results.
The Results of the Radionuclide Angiography Test (MUGA)
Once the test is completed, the technologist uploads your results to your records. The physician/radiologist will write a report and send it to your doctor.
The technologist cannot give you the results during your visit.
Once the report is in your health record, your doctor can review it. You will get the results of the test from your doctor.
How Long Will Your Appointment Be?
The MUGA will take about 1 to 2 hours.
We do everything that we can to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.
