What is a Thyroid Scan and Iodine Uptake?
Reason(s) for the Examination: A thyroid scan (and iodine uptake) is used to help check thyroid function and possible thyroid masses. Length of Exam: If iodine uptake measurements are requested, then you will need to come to swallow a pill on one day and get images on another day. Images on the second day take about 30 minutes. Preparation: Do not ingest any food or medications containing large amounts of iodine (e.g. cold medicines, seafood, iodized salt, previous intravenous dye for prior radiological examinations, etc.) or thyroid hormone pills prior to the study. Please be prepared to list all medications (some may interfere with the test). Description: If iodine uptakes are being measured, you will ingest a radioactive (iodine) pill and return the next day for imaging. If images are needed, another tracer will be injected into a vein and multiple-angle images obtained.
