What is thyroid technetium scan?
Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid scan is a functional nuclear medicine study used to assess the thyroid gland. The uptake of the pertechnetate anion – similar in chemical-physical characteristics to the iodide ion – in the thyroid parenchyma is mediated by the NIS (Sodium-Iodide Symporter).
Can you eat or drink before a thyroid uptake scan?
Please be sure not to eat or drink anything 2 hours prior to your first appointment (you will also need to refrain from eating or drinking for 2 hours following your appointment—see below for further exam preparation details). You will then return to the department at the same time on the following day for imaging.
What is the scanning technique of thyroid scan?
Thyroid scan procedure The technologist will tip your head back so that your neck is extended. They’ll then use a scanner or camera to take photos of your thyroid, usually from at least three different angles. You’ll be asked to stay very still while the images are taken. The process takes about 30 minutes.
How do you prepare for radioactive iodine uptake test?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about not eating before the test. Your doctor may ask you to eat a low-iodine diet. For an RAIU, you will swallow a dose of radioactive iodine. Iodine can be taken as a capsule or a fluid 4 to 24 hours before the test.
How do I prepare for a thyroid scan?
Do not eat or drink for four hours before or two hours after your thyroid test.
- Do not eat or drink for four hours before or two hours after your thyroid test. You may drink water.
- If you have any other test today where you are told not to eat or drink for a longer amount of time, please follow those instructions.
What type of scan is used for thyroid?
A thyroid scan is a type of nuclear medicine imaging. The radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU) is also known as a thyroid uptake. It is a measurement of thyroid function, but does not involve imaging. Nuclear medicine uses small amounts of radioactive material called radiotracers.
When is thyroid scan necessary?
A thyroid scan is carried out so doctors can determine which parts of the thyroid gland are working properly and whether the thyroid gland is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or underactive (hypothyroidism). It may also help in distinguishing between benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) thyroid nodules.
What should I eat before radioactive iodine treatment?
What to Eat
- Non-iodized salt.
- Fresh, canned, and frozen vegetables in cooked or raw form.
- Unprocessed meats, including beef, pork, and poultry.
- Pasta and rice.
- Some bread.
- Matzo.
- Egg whites.
- Fresh or canned fruit in cooked or raw form.
Why is technetium used in medical diagnosis?
Technetium-99m is used to image the skeleton and heart muscle in particular, but also for brain, thyroid, lungs, liver, spleen, kidney, gall bladder, bone marrow, salivary and lachrymal glands, heart blood pool, infection and numerous specialized medical studies.
What to expect in a thyroid scan?
A normal thyroid scan would show no abnormalities in the size, shape, and location of the thyroid gland. Your thyroid will have an even green color on the image. Red spots on the image indicate abnormal growths in the thyroid.
What can thyroid scans detect?
A thyroid scan can be used to evaluate abnormalities found in a physical exam or laboratory test. The images from this test can be used to diagnose: lumps, nodules (cysts), or other growths. inflammation or swelling. an overactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism . an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism.
What is a nuclear medicine thyroid uptake and scan?
A nuclear medicine thyroid uptake and scan is a 2-day test that studies the structure and function of the thyroid gland. Read this handout to learn how to prepare for the test, how it works, how it is done, what you may feel during the test, and how to get your results.
What is a nuclear test for thyroid?
A nuclear medicine thyroid scan is a diagnostic tool used to determine a patient’s thyroid function. The test is necessary to detect a number of conditions, including hyperthyroidism , goiter and thyroid cancer. The test requires a patient to ingest a small amount of radioactive iodine many hours before testing.
