This scan uses a form of the chemical meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) that contains radioactive iodine. MIBG is similar to norepinephrine, a chemical made by sympathetic nerve cells. It is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream, and in most patients it will attach to neuroblastoma cells anywhere in the body. Several hours or days later, the body is scanned with a special camera to look for areas that picked up the radioactivity. This allows doctors to find the neuroblastoma and spot whether it has spread to the bones and/or other parts of the body.

This test is preferred by many doctors as a standard way to evaluate children with neuroblastoma. It can be repeated after treatment to see if it has been effective. It is also good to know if the tumor takes up the MIBG because in some cases, this radioactive molecule can be used (at higher doses) to treat the neuroblastoma.