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Thyroid Uptake and Scan

This procedure shows the size and shape of the thyroid and how well the thyroid gland is functioning.

Preparation

Nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to the study.
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment with an order/prescription if your doctor has given one to you.
Bring a list of your current medications.
Certain medications and procedures will cause this test to give false results. Please contact the hospital/clinic where your test is scheduled for specific instructions.
Stop taking thyroid medication (e.g. Synthroid or Levothyroxine) for 4 weeks prior to the exam.
Stop taking multivitamins containing Iodine (e.g. One a Day, Centrum) for 6 weeks prior to the exam. Please check the list of ingredients to confirm whether your specific multivitamins contain Iodine.

The procedure is done over a two day period.
This test will help determine both the anatomy and physiology of the thyroid gland.
The technologist will first obtain some of your medical history and review your medications.
During this two day period, you will be given a small injection of a radiotracer in a vein of the arm. The physician will be able to see your anatomy, which is the size, shape, and location of the gland.
After the injection and a brief wait, we will take images of the thyroid using a special camera.
Physiology will help us determine the function of the thyroid gland to see how it is working. For this portion of the exam, you will be asked to swallow a pill which contains a small amount of radioactive material. The technologist will ask you to return to the department to take measurements of the thyroid gland using a special piece of equipment.

Tell the technologist if you are planning to travel out of the country.
If you are pregnant or suspect you may be, contact your referring doctor.
This is a two-day exam.
For Macomb patients: Please note that our Nuclear Medicine equipment has a table weight limit of 500 lbs.