I-123 MIBG Scan

An I-123 MIBG scan is a test that finds and shows where certain types of cancer are. It is often used to find a type of cancer called neuroblastoma.

We will inject a tracer (radiopharmaceutical) into one of your child’s veins. It will be injected through a small, thin tube (IV catheter) or the existing port. The imaging portion of the test takes place 24 hours after the injection. The I-123 MIBG tracer is made in a special facility in the mid-west and is only available for administration on Tuesday and Wednesdays.

All children must have SSKI drops for this test. SSKI drops provide iodine that protects your child’s thyroid from the medicine we inject during the scan. The doctor who ordered the test for your child will give you a prescription and instructions for the SSKI drops. You can fill the prescription at any pharmacy.

Dress your child comfortably in clothes that can be easily removed. Sweats are a good choice.

We have videos your child can watch, or they can bring their favorite video or DVD from home to watch during the test.

If your child needs anesthesia (medicine to reduce sensation during the procedure), you will receive more instructions from the nurse practitioner the day before the scan.

Arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Being late can affect other appointments and can delay your appointment.  

Check in at the level 6 registration desk inside the Ocean entrance. After you complete registration, you will be directed to the Radiology reception area.

Upon arrival, females 12 years and older will be asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy screening.  

If you will be late or have questions about testing, please call Radiology at 206-987-2089.

The technologist will explain the test to you and your child. A technologist or nurse will place an IV in your child for the tracer injection. Your child will only feel a little discomfort, like a mild pinch.  

The technologist will inject the tracer and ask you to return in 24 hours for the scan.  

Your child will lie on an exam table for the scan. A camera will be above and below the table. It will come close to your child but will not touch your child. The scan takes about 1 hour. Your child will have to lie still during the imaging portion of the test.

SPECT imaging (single photon emission computed tomography) is often done during this test. SPECT provides a 3-D image to the doctors. It takes an additional 30 minutes.  

Anesthesia may be used for patients 5 years and under, and for those unable to hold still.

You can stay with your child in the exam room, unless your child is under anesthesia. Please make other arrangements for siblings.

Yes, your child will be exposed to a small amount of radiation. We understand that radiation dose is a special concern for children. To minimize how much radiation your child is exposed to, we customize the  I-123 MIBG scan based on your child’s age, weight and area to be examined.  

If you have questions about the exam and whether it is needed, please contact the doctor who ordered the scan for your child.

Continue to give your child the SSKI drops as prescribed.

The images from your child’s radiology procedure are typically reviewed by a radiologist within 24 hours and a report will be sent to the doctor who ordered the test. If you have a clinic or doctor appointment scheduled, the doctor will review the results with you then. If you do not have a visit scheduled, you should call your child’s doctor for the results.