TEST ACRONYM

FULL TERMINOLOGY

Multiple Gated Acquisition

DEFINITION

The MUGA measures how much blood your heart pumps, or "ejects" with each contraction.

WHEN TEST WOULD BE PERFORMED

Before starting trastuzumab (Herceptin) treatment your doctor will check your heart using an echocardiogram or a multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. You doctor should also check your heart at intervals while you are receiving treatment.

INFORMATION VALUE

MUGA checks LVEF levels before and during treatment with Herceptin to monitor for dropping levels. A drop could indicated cardiac concerns.

CAUTION

A drop of 10 points in the ejection fraction may indicate that Herceptin should be suspended until further evaluation of effect is established.