Thyroid Uptake and Scan
A thyroid uptake and scan (or thyroid scan only) is a procedure that evaluates thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and a goiter.
The thyroid uptake portion evaluates your thyroid function.
What to Bring
- Your medical provider order (your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
- Personal ID
- Insurance card(s)
- Medication list
How to Prepare
- You cannot have any iodinated contrast media for 6 weeks (CT, EXU, or angiograms) before the exam.
- You cannot take myelogram for 6 months before the exam.
- Ask your medical provider about discontinuing thyroid and anti-thyroid medications for 2 weeks before your exam.
- Refrain from eating kelp, sushi and seaweed for 1 week before the exam.
- Please do not eat or drink 2 hours before the exam.
- Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
- If you wear an on-body device (insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, other chemo/insulin devices, etc.), you must inform your technologist.
What to Expect
- Upon arrival, the technologist will explain the procedure and answer any questions you might have.
- You will be given a small capsule (to swallow) containing a tiny amount of radioactive material and will then be asked to not eat for 2 hours. This is to ensure maximum absorption of the capsule.
- You will be asked to return approximately 6 hours later for 30 minutes of imaging.
- Depending on your medical provider’s order, you may also return the following morning for 5 minutes of imaging.
During the Exam
- You will be lying down on a cushioned table.
- A camera will be placed over your neck.
After the Exam
- You may resume your thyroid medications as prescribed.
- Your study will be reviewed by a radiologist, and the results will be sent to your medical provider, who will discuss the results with you.
Schedule an Appointment
Call North Oaks Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 between 7 am and 5:30 pm.
If you are a provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.
