Deaconess

You are here : Home : welcome to deaconess hospital : Our Services : Related Services : Radiology & Imaging : Thyroid Uptake & Scan

Printer Friendly Page
thyroid uptake & scan

A thyroid scan is performed to check the function of the thyroid, a gland in the neck that produces chemicals which tell the body how fast to work and use energy. A thyroid scan can help diagnose an over or underactive thyroid, goiter (enlarged thyroid), thyroid inflammation, and other conditions.

The exam is performed by giving you a special "tracer" chemical that the thyroid can absorb. The amount of this tracer your thyroid absorbs in a 24-hour period can be measured and compared with normal values to help determine if your thyroid is functioning correctly.

Preparing for Your Thyroid Scan
Certain medications can also interfere with the exam. See the list below for details, and be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions about these instructions.

  • Stop taking any thyroid hormones at least 14 days before your exam.
  • Stop taking any antithyroid medications at least 7 days before your exam.
  • You must not have had any x-ray studies involving IV contrast (e.g., IVP, CT scan) for at least 6 weeks before your exam.
  • Stop taking any vitamins at least 3 days before your exam.
  • Stop taking sinus and cold medicine for 3 days before your exam.

What Will the Procedure Be Like?
The procedure will be performed by a technologist specializing in nuclear medicine technology and working under the supervision of a radiologist to help ensure the most accurate results from your examination.

Let the technologist know if you're pregnant or you think you might be.

After you arrive in the nuclear medicine department, you'll receive an injection of the tracer chemical. After the tracer circulates for 15 to 20 minutes, several images will be taken of your thyroid gland. The entire procedure takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

If you are scheduled for a thyroid scan only, you may leave the hospital after the images are completed. You may resume normal activities.

If you are also having a thyroid uptake exam, you must return the next day for more measurements. This procedure should only take a few minutes.

Social Networks Twitter Find Us On Facebook Deaconess Alerts Deaconess Mobile
 
About Deaconess Contact Us Giving Nursery Careers Home Contact Us Location Deaconess