Thyroid scan

The test is done in this way: You are given a pill that contains a tiny amount of radioactive iodine. After swallowing it, you wait as the iodine collects in your thyroid. The first scan is usually done 4 to 6 hours after you take the iodine pill. Another scan is usually done 24 hours later. During the scan, you lie…

Follow instructions about not eating before the test. You may be told not to eat after midnight before your scan the next morning. Tell your health care provider if you are taking anything that contains iodine because it may affect your test results. This includes some medicines, including thyroid and heart medicines.…

Some people find it uncomfortable to stay still during the test.

This test is done to: Evaluate thyroid nodules or goiter Find the cause of an overactive thyroid gland Check for thyroid cancer (rarely, since other tests are more accurate for this)

Normal test results will show that the thyroid appears to be the correct size, shape, and in the proper location. It is an even gray color on the computer image without darker or lighter areas.

A thyroid that is enlarged or pushed off to one side could be a sign of a tumor . Nodules absorb more or less iodine and this will make them look darker or lighter on the scan. A nodule is usually lighter if it has not taken up the iodine (often called a cold nodule). If part of the thyroid appears lighter, it could…

All radiation has possible side effects. The amount of radioactivity is very small, and there have been no documented side effects. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not have this test. Talk to your provider if you have concerns about this test.

The radioactive iodine leaves your body through your urine. You need not take special precautions, such as flushing twice after urinating, for 24 to 48 hours after the test because the dose of radioactive iodine is very low. Ask your provider or the radiology/nuclear medicine team performing the scan about taking…

Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ. Thyroid, parathyroid, and salivary glands. In: Mettler FA, Guiberteau MJ, eds. Essentials of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4. Salvatore D, Cohen R, Kopp PA, Larsen PR. Thyroid pathophysiology and diagnostic evaluation. In: Melmed S,…