Port and MUGA question

[DanaRT]

Please help me sort through the conflicting information I received today regarding MUGA scans and using the port.

I have had the first two MUGA’s at a smaller hospital. Prior the first MUGA I was told that they could use the port to draw the blood but once the blood was “tagged” it would have to be injected through an IV line because the tags will impair the viewing. So it made sense to have an IV line in place.

Yesterday I went to the smaller hospital and after three painful sticks (all unsuccessful) and a blown vein-it was over, they could do no more. They arranged an appointment for me to return that next day and told me to drink a lot water. I inquired about an IV team; they have no true IV team….

I was able to schedule to a large hospital today because I felt an IV team would have more options. I was told at the big hospital that they can and do use the port for this procedure! I explained my understanding and gave them a good challenge about the clogging and poor picture. The tech went on to be diplomatic that "procedures are different...blah, blah, blah, but they do use the port for MUGA scans unless the numbers are borderline.

Who’s correct? I feel duped by the smaller hospital, they are “for profit”. I am sad I had to go through unnecessary IV sticks. Now, I am nervous and am afraid my MUGA reading will be incorrect. Or was I being stuck with needles and IV lines when they could in fact have sent me to a larger hospital willing to access my port!!!

Thanks for the input.

Dana