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The MIBG Scan is used to detect various health issues, offering a quick and straightforward procedure. Test costs differ by location and lab. Understanding the normal range helps healthcare providers evaluate your health effectively. It's generally safe, with minor risks like slight discomfort during sample collection.
What is the MIBG Scan?
A nuclear imaging test called an MIBG scan can assist medical professionals in identifying and evaluating certain tumors. A limited quantity of radioactive material is injected for imaging.
MIBG - iodine-131-meta-iodobenzylguanidine Iodine, a radioactive chemical, is injected as a tracer in your bloodstream during a MIBG scan. The tracer is detected by a special camera, which then captures pictures within your body
It's also called:
- Iobenguane scan
- Metaiodobenzylguanidine scan
- MIBG scintigraphy
- MIBG scintiscan
Why is the MIBG Scan Done?
MIBG scans are used by medical professionals to identify certain cancers that begin in neuroendocrine cells that produce hormones, including:
- Carcinoid growths (neuroendocrine tumors).
- Rare cancer known as neuroblastoma, which affects nerve cells, mostly affects youngsters under the age of five.
- Thyroid tumor or medullary Thyroid cancer.
- A tumor in the adrenal glands or other regions of your body is called a pheochromocytoma.
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An MIBG scan is conducted by nuclear medicine physicians. These are specially trained medical professionals who use imaging technologies to diagnose and manage various diseases. The scan is usually done in a hospital's nuclear medicine department.
How is the MIBG Scan Performed?
MIBG scintigraphy is performed over several days in stages:
- The tracer is injected by a medical professional into a vein of the arm.
- To circulate throughout your body, the tracer requires around 24 hours.
- You'll return the next day for the first imaging scan.
- You'll be asked to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown.
- While lying still on a table, a scanner will move over your body to capture images.
- Most patients may need to return for additional scans over the next few days.
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How Should I Prepare for the MIBG Scan?
Before the scan, your doctor will ask you symptoms related to iodine deficiency (like Lugol's solution). This protects your thyroid from absorbing radioactive material. You might need to continue this for a few days after the scan.
You may also be advised to stop certain medications that could interfere with the test, such as:
- ACE inhibitors
- Cold and allergy medications
- Amiodarone
- Antidepressants
- Calcium channel blockers
- Opioids
Always inform your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. They will guide you on which medications to pause and for how long before the scan.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the MIBG Scan?
The MIBG scan is generally very safe. There is a slight risk of a temporary increase in blood pressure after the injection, but it usually returns to normal within a day or two. You may be asked to stay for about 30 minutes after the injection so your blood pressure can be monitored.
Important: This test is not recommended for pregnant individuals due to the possible risk to the fetus.
How Do I Understand my MIBG Scan Results?
Normal Range Results: No signs of tumors or abnormal tracer uptake.
Abnormal Results: May indicate conditions like:
- Pheochromocytoma
- Neuroblastoma
- Carcinoid tumors
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) type II
Consult your doctor to discuss what your specific results mean in detail.
What is the Important Information About the MIBG Scan?
The MIBG scan is anoutpatient procedure, so you can go home the same day.
The radioactive material will gradually leave your body over a few days. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush it out through urine and stool. Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet to avoid exposure to others.
If you're breastfeeding, switch to formula for at least 24 hours after the injection to ensure safety for your baby.
When is the MIBG Scan Needed?
Doctors may recommend an MIBG scan when they suspect certain types of tumors or conditions related to the nervous system and hormone-producing cells. It helps in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
Common reasons or situations when an MIBG scan is needed include:
- Unexplained high blood pressure (may suggest a pheochromocytoma)
- Symptoms like palpitations, headaches, and excessive sweating
- Suspected neuroblastoma, especially in young children
- Diagnosis and staging of neuroendocrine tumors
- Follow-up to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatment
- To detect recurrence or spread of tumors
- Evaluation of adrenal gland masses
- Screening in patients with genetic conditions like MEN type II
Who Should Take the MIBG Scan?
An MIBG scan is typically recommended for individuals who are at risk of or suspected to have certain types of tumors that affect the nervous system or hormone-producing glands. The scan helps in early detection, staging, and monitoring of these conditions.
People who may need an MIBG scan include:
- Children under 5 years old with suspected or confirmed neuroblastoma
- Adults with adrenal gland tumors like pheochromocytoma
- Patients with symptoms such as high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, or unexplained headaches
- Individuals with a family history of neuroendocrine tumors or genetic syndromes like MEN type II
- Patients diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer
- Those being treated for neuroblastoma or other tumors, to assess treatment response or recurrence
What Type of Sample is Collected for the MIBG Scan and How?
For an MIBG scan, no traditional samples like blood or urine are required during the actual imaging process. Instead, a small amount of radioactive material (called a tracer) is injected into your bloodstream. This tracer helps doctors capture detailed images of certain tumors in the body.
Collection method: The tracer is injected through a vein in your arm, and it circulates through your body. There's no need to provide a blood or urine sample during the scan itself. However, after the scan, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radioactive material from your system.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the MBIG Scan?
For an MBIG Scan, the primary method involves the injection of a small amount of radioactive material into a vein, usually in the arm. There are generally no alternate ways to collect the sample for this scan, as the radioactive tracer must be injected directly into the bloodstream for accurate imaging.
However, in special cases such as with very small children or babies, healthcare providers may use smaller needles or special pediatric techniques to make the injection more comfortable and safe. No catheter use, swabs, or other tools are typically involved in this procedure.
How Long Does the MIBG Scan Take?
- Imaging scans: The actual scan typically lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the number of images needed.
As for results, it may take 1-3 days to get the final results. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and provide any necessary follow-up care.
When Will I Get My MIBG Scan Results?
You will typically receive your MIBG scan results within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the processing time of the lab. The results will be sent directly to you, either via WhatsApp or as a printed copy for your convenience.
Once you have your results, your doctor will review them with you and explain the findings. If any further steps or treatments are necessary, your doctor will guide you through the next course of action.
What Should I Do After Getting My MIBG Scan Results?
After receiving your MIBG scan results, the next steps will depend on the findings:
- Follow-up: If the results are normal, you may not need any further immediate tests. However, your doctor might schedule a follow-up to monitor your health.
- Treatment: If your results are abnormal and indicate a tumor or growth, your doctor will discuss potential treatment options, which may include surgery, radiation, or other therapies.
- Further tests: In some cases, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis or determine the extent of any conditions detected. Your doctor will guide you on the necessary next steps.
Is the MIBG Scan Painful?
The MIBG scan is generally not painful. Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. However, there are a few aspects where mild discomfort may occur:
Injection Discomfort:
The procedure involves a small injection of a radioactive substance into your vein, which may cause mild discomfort or a slight stinging sensation at the injection site. This discomfort is typically brief and goes away quickly.
Overall Experience:
Once the injection is complete, the scan itself is non-invasive, and patients typically feel no pain during the imaging process. You may be asked to lie still during the scan, which can sometimes feel uncomfortable, but this is not painful.
Overall, the MIBG scan is considered a low-pain procedure with only minor, temporary discomfort.
What are the Factors Affecting MIBG Scan Cost?
The cost of an MIBG scan can vary depending on several factors, including:
1. Lab Type:
The type of laboratory or imaging facility performing the scan plays a significant role in the cost. High-end hospitals or specialized diagnostic centers may charge more for the procedure due to advanced equipment and specialized staff.
2. Location:
The geographical location of the facility can impact the cost. Scans conducted in larger cities or metropolitan areas are typically more expensive than those in smaller towns or rural areas due to higher overhead costs.
3. Test Method:
Different hospitals or diagnostic centers may use varying techniques and equipment for MIBG scans. Advanced imaging technology or additional features in the test procedure can raise the price.
4. Additional Services:
Additional services, such as consultation fees, preparation costs (e.g., the need for sedation), or follow-up appointments, can also affect the overall price of the MIBG scan.
In summary, the cost of the MIBG scan is influenced by a combination of the lab performing the scan, the location, and any additional services required. It's important to discuss these factors with your healthcare provider to get an accurate cost estimate.
How Much Does the MIBG Scan Cost in India?
The average cost of an MIBG scan radiology in India is around Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000. However, the price can change depending on the hospital, lab type, and city. Prices in major metropolitan cities may be on the higher end of the spectrum, while those in smaller towns or rural areas could be more affordable.
MIBG Scan Test Price in Different Cities Across India
Please note that the prices listed in the table below are approximate and can vary depending on the facility.
| City | Average Cost (INR) |
|---|---|
| Hyderabad | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Bangalore | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Pune | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Nashik | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Warangal | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Kakinada | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| MVP Visakhapatnam | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Nellore | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Kurnool | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Karimnagar | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Nizamabad | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Chh. Sambhajinagar | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Srikakulam | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Sangamner | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs.15,000 to Rs.16,000 |
Conclusion: If you are planning to undergo an MIBG Scan, Medicover Hospitals offers reliable diagnostic services at affordable prices across various cities in India.
