Nuclear Medicine MIBG Scan

Information for Patients

Department of Nuclear Medicine

Please read this leaflet carefully as it contains important information and instructions
University Hospitals of Leicester
NHS Trust

Introduction
We have been asked by your doctor to perform a

Nuclear Medicine MIBG Scan

This leaflet tells you about your procedure.

What is a Nuclear Medicine MIBG Scan?

An MIBG scan is a safe and simple procedure that uses a small amount of radioactivity to obtain images of your body. These images can show conditions not identified with X-rays. This procedure is performed over two days with two appointments. The radiation you receive by having this scan is comparable to the amount of radiation you would receive naturally from the environment in approximately 2 years.

Who will be doing the Scan?

A Specialised Nurse and Technician will carry out the procedure. On occasions a trainee may also be present if you wish you can request that the trainee is not present during your procedure.

How to prepare for the MIBG Scan

You have been sent some iodine medication to take before and during this investigation. Please take this medication as instructed on the label. This medication reduces the radiation dose you receive from this procedure and improves the quality of the scans. Should you have any queries regarding this medication or if you have an allergy to iodine please contact Radiopharmacy on 0116 258 5579. However, you must inform us BEFORE you have your injection if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or have just missed a period. This is because the radiation can reach the baby and it is important that any precautions are discussed with your specialist. Also, you should inform us BEFORE you have your injection if you are breastfeeding. This is because radioactive substances can come out in breast milk and you may be advised to stop breastfeeding for a short time.

Contact numbers
Leicester General Hospital OR Leicester Royal Infirmary Leicester Radiopharmacy Glenfield Hospital (0116) 258 4579 (0116) 258 4624 (0116) 258 5627 (0116) 258 5579 (0116) 256 3850 3

What happens during the MIBG Scan?

You will be taken into a room where the procedure will be explained to you and you may ask any questions that you have.

1st appointment The first appointment will be in two parts. The first part will take between 15 and 30 minutes. You will be given a small radioactive injection in a vein in your arm (this is no more painful than having a blood test) and a brief scan may be performed. You will not feel any ill-effects from the injection. You are then free to leave the department for approximately 4 hours and we will tell you when you need to return for your first scan. The second part will take between 30 and 60 minutes. You will be asked to lie still on a bed or chair. You may remain dressed. In order to get good quality pictures the gamma camera will be quite close to you. You will not be left alone in the room.

2nd appointment The second appointment is for a scan only and will take between 30 and 60 minutes. In some cases this time can be longer.

How long will it take?

The first appointment will take about 5 hours and this includes a period of 4 hours when you are free to leave the department. The second appointment will take about 1 hour. Following your injection you will need to drink plenty and go to the toilet frequently. This will both reduce the small radiation dose you receive and improve the quality of your scan. You will be asked to avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women for the rest of the day, i.e. avoiding having a child sitting next to you, or on your lap, for more than half an hour.

What happens after the Scan?

Important instructions to follow after your scan You will be mildly radioactive from the time of your radioisotope injection until the next morning. We ask you to: Drink plenty of extra fluids. Flush the toilet well after use. Wash your hands thoroughly each time you use the toilet. Avoid prolonged contact (more than 30 minutes) with anyone who is or may be pregnant, small children and babies. Usually there is no problem in returning to work, however please ask staff for advice if you work with radiation or in the photographic industry.

How do I get the results?

Your scan will be interpreted by a Radiologist (specialised x-ray doctor) and the results will be passed to your Consultant. Your results will be discussed with you at your next outpatient appointment.

Additional information
Relatives and escorts You may wish to bring a relative or friend to accompany you to and from the Nuclear Medicine Service. This may be useful if you do not understand English very well or if you have any special needs. Due to the nature of the examination, friends and relatives may not be permitted into the room during your examination. Children We recommend that you do NOT bring children with you to your appointment. Car parking Parking is available on site. Please allow sufficient time to park so that you will be on time for your appointment as spaces are limited and delays often experienced . There is a charge for parking. Please see car park notices for current charges. Wheelchairs A limited number of wheelchairs are located in the entrances to the hospital. Some wheelchairs require a coin to release the wheelchair, which is then refunded when the chair is returned. 6

Comments and suggestions

If you wish to make any comments or suggestions regarding your visit to the Nuclear Medicine Service, suggestion forms are available from staff within the department.

Questions

If you would like this information in another language or format, please contact the Service Equality Manager on 0116 258 8295
Pathology Patient Information Group Bone Scan MIBG Leaflet Produced: October 2007 Reviewed: July 2009 Next Review: July 2011 (Short7/09)7090707KR PAT020-0709

Haddaad rabto warqadan oo turjuman oo ku duuban cajalad ama qoraal ah fadlan la xiriir, Maamulaha Adeegga Sinaanta 0116 258 8295. Eer bu brorn (kitapn) yazl veya kasetli aklamasn isterseniz ltfen servis mdrne 0116 258 8295 telefonundan ulaabilirsiniz.