A thyroid uptake measures overall thyroid gland function. A thyroid scan shows the structure, size and location of your thyroid and the function of various portions of your gland. This procedure involves two visits to the Nuclear Medicine Department.

What Does a Thyroid Scan and Uptake Entail?

On the first day, you will be asked to swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine in a capsule. This visit should take about fifteen minutes.

The next day you will return for measurement of uptake and the scan, which will take about 30-45 minutes.

For the scan, you will lie on your back on an imaging table with the camera positioned above you. We will take several images of your thyroid. Each image takes five or ten minutes. We may take additional images to look at a certain part of your gland in detail. The imaging procedure will take about 45 minutes.

The uptake procedure measures the absorption of the radioactive iodine by your thyroid gland. A thyroid probe will be positioned some inches from you neck, and several counts will be recorded. This will take ten or fifteen minutes.

Is Any Special Preparation Required Before Having a Thyroid Scan and Uptake?

If you are taking thyroid medications or preparations that contain iodine, you may be asked to stop them for a time before this test. Check with your physician regarding the timing of your medications.

How Will I Learn the Results?

After the exam, the radiologist will evaluate the images and discuss them with your physician. Your physician will explain the results to you.

If you are or suspect you might be pregnant, please tell your doctor, nurse or technician.

If You Want More Information.

Please feel free to call the CRH Imaging Department at 918-225-8220.

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