Thyroid Uptake and Scan

During the first portion of the exam the technologist will ask about any thyroid medications or head and neck surgery. The technologist will then have you swallow a radioactive iodine pill that will allow us to measure thyroid uptake. You will be instructed to return 2 or 4 hours later for the first uptake measurement. At this time the technologist will position a probe over your neck to measure how much of the radioiodine has been absorbed by your thyroid.

You will be asked to return the following day to repeat the uptake measurement and perform the scan portion of the exam. The scan consists of a small injection of a radiopharmaceutical into a vein of your arm. This will allow imaging of your thyroid. Neither the probe nor camera emit any radiation, but rather detect the radiation emitted from the radiopharmaceutical. The camera is open so you are not completely surrounded and the technologist may stay in the scan room with you. You will be asked to hold still but, you do not need to hold your breath.

Clothing
Please wear comfortable clothing with an open neck and refrain from wearing necklaces.

Medications
Certain thyroid medications will need to be stopped prior to scheduling the procedure. Please consult with our scheduling department or your physician.

Food and Drink
You may eat and drink before and during the exam.

The benefits of Thyroid uptake and scan:

• A thyroid uptake and scan is a non-invasive test that is sensitive in evaluating both the function and structure of the thyroid gland.

Risks you should be aware of:

• There are no risks associated with thyroid uptake and scan procedures.