Prior to Test

The care team may meet with you to talk about:

• Any allergies you may have
• Current medicines, herbs, and supplements that you take and whether you need to stop taking them before the test
• Fasting before the test, such as avoiding food or drink after midnight the night before
• Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Whether you have had any recent imaging tests
• Whether you need a ride to and from the test
• Tests that will need to be done before the test, such as checking the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood

Description of the Test

A radioactive substance will be given by mouth. Once it has had time to collect in the thyroid, the scan begins. You will lie on your back with your head tilted back. You will be asked to lie very still at certain times. A scanner will take pictures of the thyroid from different angles. The camera is not an x-ray machine. It does not expose you to more radiation. You may need to return to the radiology department after 24 hours for more pictures.

How Long Will It Take?

The radioactive substance needs time to be absorbed before the scan. You may need to wait 4 to 6 hours if you take the substance by mouth. The scan itself takes about half an hour.

Will It Hurt?

This test does not cause pain.

Post-Test Care

At the Care Center

You will be able to leave after the test is done.

At Home

The radioactive substance will leave the body in 1 to 2 days. It will not expose other people to radiation.

The pictures of the scan take about an hour to develop. A radiologist will look at them. Based on the results, more tests or treatment may be needed.