Thyroid Uptake and Scan(Thyroid Scintiscan; Technetium Thyroid Scan)
by
Julie J. Martin, MS DefinitionA thyroid uptake and scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance and a scanning tool to evaluate the thyroid gland. The scanner picks up where and how much the radioactive substance was taken up by the thyroid. This helps determine the structure, location, size, and activity of the gland. Reasons for Test TOPThe scan may be ordered to:
Possible Complications TOPThyroid scans are associated with very few risks. Tell your doctor if you:
What to Expect TOPPrior to Test
Description of TestYou will be given a radioactive substance by mouth. Once the substance has had time to collect in the thyroid, the scan begins. You will lie on your back with your head tilted back. You will be asked to lie very still at certain times. A scanner will take pictures of your thyroid from different angles. The camera is not an x-ray machine. It does not expose you to more radiation. You may need to return to the radiology department after 24 hours for additional pictures. After Test TOPYou will be able to leave after the test is done. Because of the very low dose of radioactive substance used, the majority of the radioactive substance will leave your body in 1-2 days. You are not at risk for exposing other people to radiation. You can interact normally with them. How Long Will It Take? TOPThe scan itself takes about half an hour. The radioactive substance needs time to be absorbed before the scan. You may need to wait 4-6 hours if you take the substance by mouth. Will It Hurt? TOPThere is no pain associated with a thyroid scan. There may be times when you find it uncomfortable to lie still with your head tilted backward. Results TOPThe pictures of the scan take about an hour to develop. A radiologist will examine them. Based on the results of the test, further studies or treatment will be recommended. Call Your Doctor TOPCall your doctor if you experience any unusual pain or discomfort. If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:American Thyroid Association http://www.thyroid.org Hormone Health Network—Endocrine Society http://www.hormone.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Public Health Agency of Canada http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca The Thyroid Foundation of Canada http://www.thyroid.ca References:Hyperthyroidism. Johns Hopkins University website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 28, 2017.
Hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
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Thyroid nodule.
EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115781/Thyroid-nodule
. Updated December 11, 2015. Accessed November 28, 2017.
Thyroid nodules. American Thyroid Association website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed November 28, 2017. Thyroid scan and uptake. Radiological Society of North America Radiology Info website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated February 1, 2017. Accessed November 28, 2017. Last reviewed November 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
James Cornell, MD Last Updated: 12/14/2015 | |
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