Thyroid Uptake Scan

A nuclear medicine thyroid uptake and scan is a 2-day test that studies the structure and function of the thyroid gland by swallowing a small pill with a tiny radioactive substance which is taken up by your thyroid gland and is detected by a special imaging scanner.  The scan is performed on day one 4 to 6 hours after swallowing the pill and takes around 20-30 minutes. On the following day, you will return for a scan that takes around 5 minutes.

PATIENT PREP: Before your exam you must NOT have had X-ray exams involving iodine contrast (such as IVP or CT) in the last 4-6 weeks. Forty-eight hours prior to your exam you should avoid broccoli, cabbage or seafood. Patients on thyroid medications, should stop taking thyroid hormone medicine (Synthroid, Cytomel, levothyroxine, lithyronine) four weeks prior to the exam and stop taking anti-thyroid hormones, Propothyrouracil (PTU), Methimazole, or Tapazole seven days before this test. Please make sure to check with your doctor before you stop taking any of these medicines. Feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding this exam.