Radiology - MIBG® (I-123 Iobenguane) Scan

Nuclear Medicine Department

Please read this leaflet carefully in conjunction with your appointment letter.

If you require further any information, please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department – 0161 206 4861

Why do I need this scan?

Your doctor would like you to have an MIBG® scan to check how your adrenal glands are working and examine other tissues that might have absorbed the injection. Adrenal glands are usually located just above each kidney. You can choose to refuse this test, but we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.

Preparation for your scan

• We will ask for a list of all the medication you are taking and some of your medication may be interrupted for a few days. More detailed information will be given to you once the test is scheduled
• You should drink plenty of fluids during the 24 hours before the injection.

Detailed advice will be given to you in your appointment confirmation letter. Please ensure that the instructions are followed.

How is the scan performed?

This test will take 3 days to complete but is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

Day 1

To prevent radioactive uptake in your thyroid gland, you must take iodine tablets, these will be given to you when you arrive in the department for your appointment.

It is important to monitor your blood pressure for a period of time before and after your injection. This usually takes place on our short stay ward and may last about 2 hours.

At least 1 hour after the iodine tablets have been taken, you will be given an injection of a radioactive substance into a vein, usually in your arm.

This injection circulates around your body and will be absorbed by your adrenal glands and certain other tissues. This allows us to take pictures, called a scan.

The scans are taken at approximately 24 and 48 hours after the injection (appointment days 2 and 3) using a special camera, called a gamma camera.

Day 2 and Day 3

On each of these days, you lie on an imaging table with your arms down by your side for the scan.

As part of the imaging, you will also have a low dose CT scan. Usually there is no need to undress. You will need to remove jewellery, keys or other metallic objects from your person / pockets.

Each scan takes up to 2 hours. Having the scan does not hurt, but it is important that you keep still. If you are uncomfortable, please tell us and we will try to make you as relaxed as possible.

Risks and Limitations

• If you think you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding, you must contact us before the test date
• The radioactive injection contains a small amount of iodine, so you must contact us before the start date if you have ever had an allergic reaction to iodine in the past
• Occasionally, palpitations, shortness of breath, abdominal cramps or high blood pressure may be experienced during or just after the injection, but symptoms typically disappear within one hour
• Rarely, the following undesirable effects have been reported: blushes, itching, cold chills and other allergic type symptoms
• You might get a small bruise around where we give the injection
• You will receive a small radiation dose of about 5 mSv. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK is just under 3 mSv in one year

After the scan …

After the injection, you can eat as normal and should drink plenty of fluids for the next 48 hours. This helps to remove the radioactivity out of your body, which should completely disappear within 4 days of the injection.

Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for 48 hours following your injection. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.

What happens to the results?

A report is sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test. Allow at least 2 weeks for this.

Nuclear medicine staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.

Can I bring a friend or relative?

Yes, but they will have to remain in the waiting room while you have your scan.

Only essential carers may remain with you. You must let us know before your test date if you require a carer present.

Please, do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.

What if I cannot attend for my appointment?

If you have any questions about your examination or are unable to make the appointment, please telephone the help line on 0161 206 4861. This is a 24-hour answer phone, but it is usually manned Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.

If you prefer you can contact us via email at radio.isotopes@nca.nhs.uk

Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.

Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, call us as soon as you can so that we can give it to somebody else.

I need an ambulance, how do I arrange this?

If you need an ambulance contact:
0161 206 7014 for Salford residents
0800 032 3240 for other areas

Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance.

Interpreters

If you need a translator for your examination, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department.

Other sources of information

For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations, visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http://www.bnms.org.uk/page/PatientsCarers

If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:

Nuclear Medicine Department
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford
M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861