General

Synonym/Acronym:
Cardiac blood pool scan, cardiac flow studies, ejection fraction study, gated cardiac scan, multigated acquisition (MUGA) scan, radionuclide ventriculogram, wall motion study.

Rationale
To evaluate blood flow through the ventricles of the heart and determine cardiac ejection fraction.

Patient Preparation
Instruct the patient to fast, restrict fluids (especially those containing caffeine), and abstain from the use of tobacco products for 4 hr prior to the procedure. No other radionuclide scans should be scheduled within 24 to 48 hr before this procedure. Protocols may vary among facilities.

Normal Findings

• Normal wall motion, ejection fraction (55%–70%), coronary blood flow, ventricular size and function, and symmetry in contractions of the left ventricle.

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A