What is a thyroid scan?
A thyroid study is a type of thyroid test that uses nuclear medicine imaging to find out how well your thyroid is functioning and the size, shape, location and function of your thyroid gland. A thyroid uptake test tells your doctor how well your gland works by measuring the amount of radioiodine it uses to produce hormones.
You may need a thyroid scan if you are suspected of having any of the following:
- Graves disease
- Hypothyroid
- Hyperthyroid
- Thyroid nodules
What are the risks of a thyroid scan?
Thyroid uptake studies use a fraction of the radioactive iodine. It is a much safer dose, with no potential for exposure after the test. However, please let the office know if you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, as the radiotracers maybe harmful to a fetus.
How does a thyroid scan work?
First, you will be given a radioactive iodine in liquid or pill form to swallow. Four to six hours after taking the radiotracer, you will come back to the clinic. Your provider will pass a gamma probe over your neck to measure the amount of radioactivity your thyroid gives off.
Then, a special camera is used to take four images of your thyroid to see if there are any nodules and what those nodules look like.
What should I expect after my thyroid scan?
It usually take 24-48 hours for your doctor to receive a report. Drink plenty of fluids to help flush the radiotracer out of your body, what does not get flushed out of your body will decay out. There are no other restrictions.