Skip to Content

Patient Instructions

  • Nuclear Medicine I-123 MIBG Scintigraphy

Patient Instructions - Nuclear Medicine I-123 MIBG Scintigraphy

I-123 MIBG scintigraphy uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to localize Pheochromocytomas (PHEO).

Before the procedure

  • Before the test, you should tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing. 

  • You will be required to take Lugol’s solution the day prior, day of, and 1 day following the I-123 MIBG injection. 

  • Before the test begins, your recent and current medications will have to be reviewed and verified that you are not taking any interfering medications.

During the procedure

  • The technologist will start an IV in a vein in your arm and will run saline through it. 

  • Your blood pressure will be monitored before, during and for 30 minutes after the I-123 MIBG injection. 

  • The injection will take place over 5-10 minutes to help minimize any adverse response, and you will be lying down with the lights dimmed. 

  • After 30 minutes of monitoring following the injection, you will be allowed to leave until the first set of imaging begins.

  • Imaging will take place 2-3 hours following the injection, and 24 post-injection.

  • Each day, a whole-body image will be taken. On day two, an additional SPECT/CT image will be acquired, generally of the abdomen. You will be asked to lie still during the imaging. 

  • For the whole-body scan, your arms will be down at your side, and for the SPECT/CT image, you will be asked to rest your arms above your head. 

  • Imaging on day one will be 30-25 minutes and approximately 90 minutes on day two.

After the procedure

  • After the test, you can resume your normal activities.
  • Increase your fluid intake unless otherwise directed by your doctor. 

The radioactive substance given during this procedure is I-123 MIBG.

Thank you for letting us perform your examination. Your images will be interpreted by Regional Diagnostic Radiologists (RDR). It is our goal to have the report available to your physician within 24 hours. Your physician has requested we inform you that it may take him/her 3-5 working days before they notify you with results. If you have not been notified by the fifth working day, you may call your provider for the results. If you already have a follow up appointment scheduled with your physician, they may wait to inform you of your results at that time.

If you have any questions about your examination, please call your provider.

Related Locations

View More