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Thyroid Scan and Iodine Uptake

A thyroid scan and iodine uptake will check thyroid function and possible thyroid masses.

Preparation:  Refrain from ingesting any food or medications containing large amounts of iodine (e.g. cold medication, seafood, iodized salt, previous intravenous dye for prior radiological examinations, etc.) or thyroid hormone pills prior to the study.  Be prepared to list all the medications you take, as some may interfere with the test.

Procedure:  If iodine uptakes are being measured, you will ingest a radioactive iodine pill and return the following day for imaging.  If images are needed, another tracer will be injected in a vein and multiple angle images obtained.

Length of exam:  If iodine uptake measurements are requested, you will need to come to the hospital to swallow a pill on one day then have images taken 6 hours and 24 hours later.  On the second day, images will take approximately 30 minutes.

The radiologist will read your study and send a report to your physician who will discuss the results with you.