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A thyroid scan is a nuclear medicine examination that uses a radioactive iodine tracer to see how well the thyroid gland is working.
Alternative NamesScan - thyroid; Radioactive iodine screening test - thyroid; RAUI; Nuclear scan - thyroid
How the test is performedYou will be given a pill that contains radioactive iodine, and then you will wait as the iodine collects in the thyroid. The first scan is usually done 4 - 6 hours after the iodine pill is taken. Another scan may be taken 24 hours later.
Other scans may be done using a substance containing technetium.
After the radioactive iodine has been absorbed by the thyroid, you will lie on your back on a movable table with your neck and chest under the scanner. The scanner detects the location and intensity of the rays given off by the radioactive material.
During this part of the procedure, you must lie still to let the scanner get a clear image. A computer displays images of the thyroid gland.
How to prepare for the testYou must sign a consent form. You may be told not to eat after midnight the night before the exam.
Tell your health care provider if you are taking any medications that may need to be adjusted, such as thyroid medication and anything with iodine in it. Remove jewelry, dentures, or other metals, because they may interfere with the image.
How the test will feelSome patients find remaining still during the test uncomfortable.
Why the test is performedThis test is done to check for:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodulesor other growths
The thyroid appears the correct size, shape, and in the proper location. It appears an even gray color on the computer image.
What abnormal results meanA thyroid that is enlarged or pushed off to one side could indicate a tumor. Nodules will absorb more or less iodine and will appear darker or lighter on the scan (usually lighter if tumor). If part of the thyroid appears lighter, it may indicate a possible thyroid problem.
The computer will also show the percentage of iodine that has collected in your thyroid gland. If your gland collects too much or too little of the radiotracer, this can cause hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
Other conditions under which the test may be performed:
- Anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid
- Colloid nodular goiter
- Goiter
- Medullary carcinoma of thyroid
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II
- Papillary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Toxic nodular goiter
All radiation has possible side effects. There is a very small amount of radiation in the tracer swallowed during this test. Women who are nursing or pregnant should discuss the risks to the fetus or infant with their health care providers before taking this test.
The health care provider will usually consider the concerns regarding radiation side effects when the test is ordered, but the benefits of taking the test usually far outweigh the risks.
Special considerationsThyroid scans using radionuclides are used with other studies, such as blood tests and ultrasound, to evaluate the thyroid. Your doctor may send you for more than one type of test.
What else can I help you with?
Can you perform ct scan of thyroid gland?
If there is a need to scan the thyroid gland, most of the time it can be done using an ultrasound scan. If further testing is needed, sometimes a doctor will order what's called a thyroid scan. A thyroid scan is a picture of the thyroid gland. This is taken after a small dose of a radioactive isotope, that is normally absorbed by the thyroid cells, has been injected or swallowed. This helps a physician determine if a growth on the thyroid is an active part of the thyroid tissue or not.
What other names are there for a thyroid nuclear medicine scan?
may also be referred to as a thyroid scintiscan. The name of the radioactive substance used may be incorporated and the study called a technetium thyroid scan or an iodine thyroid scan.
Do you use a Thyroid scan for a CT scan?
No, a thyroid scan and a CT scan are two different imaging techniques used for distinct purposes. A thyroid scan typically uses radioactive isotopes to evaluate thyroid function and detect abnormalities, while a CT scan employs X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. They are not interchangeable and are used based on specific clinical indications.
Why use the Thyroid Uptake and scan on the thyroid?
Because the results of the uptake will determine whether you will need surgery to remove your thyroid glands.
What would mild heterogeneity of thyroid mean on a followup CT Scan report?
the ct scan said thyroid is hetergenous in apperance their is mild enlargement of the right lobe of the thyroid
What does hyperdensity in a cat scan of thyroid mean?
Hyperdensity in a cat scan of the thyroid indicates calcifications, hemorrhage, or colloid. The thyroid gland is one of the largest endocrine glands and consists of two connected lobes.
Should thyroid uptake scan be done if you have had thyroid removed?
A thyroid uptake scan wouldn't normally be needed unless it is suspected that thyroid tissue was missed during surgery (sometimes thyroid tissue can be found in other areas of the body), or the reason for the surgery was cancer and the removal of all the tissue is vital.
What doe malignancy cannt be ruled out on a thyroid scan mean?
If malignancy cannot be ruled out from the results of a thyroid scan, this means that a thyroid nodule may or may not be an active part of the thyroid tissue. Therefore, more testing might be needed to determine if there is a malignant growth. Another test that might help make a clearer diagnosis is a fine needle biopsy. If after a needle biopsy and thyroid scan, it is still unclear if a thyroid growth is malignant, surgery might be an option. Talk with your doctor regarding the results of your test and to find out what they suggest.
When would someone need a thyroid ultrasound?
Most thyroid ultrasounds are performed to evaluate a small lump (nodule) in the thyroid found during a physical examination or found by a radionuclide study (thyroid scan).
How long should you wait to conceive after exposure to thyroid scan?
2 months
After having a thyroid scan with uptake places of inactivity are detected what does this mean?
Any thyroid issues can be found out through a blood test too.
What can you eat after taking the thyroid scan pill?
Talk with your physician regarding any concerns or dietary restrictions before and after taking the radioactive isotope needed for a thyroid scan uptake. Typically, an endocrinologist will advise staying away from shellfish before the thyroid uptake scan. They might also have other suggestions so be sure to find out what they recommend.
