MIBG scintiscan

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Alternative Names

Adrenal medullary imaging; Meta-iodobenzylguanidine scintiscan

How the Test is Performed

A radioisotope (MIBG, iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine, or iodine-123-meta-iodobenzylguanidine) is injected into a vein. This compound attaches to specific tumor cells.

You will have the scan later that day or the next day. For this part of the test, you lie on a table under the arm of the scanner. Your abdomen is scanned. You may need to return for repeated scans for 1 to 3 days. Each scan takes 1 to 2 hours.


How to Prepare for the Test

You will need to sign an informed consent form. You will be asked to wear a hospital gown or loose-fitting clothes. You will need to remove jewelry or metal objects before each scan. Many drugs interfere with the test. Ask your health care provider which of your regular medicines you may need to stop taking before the test.

How the Test will Feel


Why the Test is Performed


Normal Results

There are no signs of a tumor.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Most often, this test is used to locate pheochromocytoma.

It may also be used to detect multiple tumors or tumors that are located outside the adrenal tissues.

The test may also be done for other conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II.


There is some exposure to radiation from the radioisotope. The radiation from this radioisotope is higher than from many others. You may need to take extra precautions for a few days after the test. Your provider will tell you what actions to take.


This test should NOT be done on pregnant women because of the danger from radiation to the unborn baby.




Version Info

  • Last reviewed on 10/22/2014

