Thyroid Uptake and Scan

Information for our Nuclear Medicine Patients

* Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Overview

This test evaluates thyroid function, size and appearance.

Indications

Palpable thyroid nodules

Evaluation of thyroid function

Evaluation of patients who had head or neck irradiation in childhood with or without palpable nodules.

Thyroid enlargement

Thyroid Uptake and Scan

A Thyroid Uptake study involves the use of a small amount of radioactive material. The level of radioactivity used is extremely low and has no side effects.

You will be positioned next to a special detector called a gamma camera. The camera does not produce any radiation. It will be placed close to the part of your body being imaged.

(Thyroid Images)

Patient Preparation

Stop all thyroid medications. Your physician will advise you.

Procedure

This is a 2-part study. On your first visit, you will be given a capsule containing a small amount of radioactive material. On your second visit (24 hours later), painless images will be obtained along with a measurement of your thyroid gland. This takes about forty-five minutes to one hour.

Further Information

Contact Terre Haute Medical Laboratory Nuclear Medicine at 812.238.7542