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Thyroid Uptake and Scan
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
Answers

What is Thyroid Uptake and Scan?

A thyroid uptake and scan is a test that uses a radioactive substance and a scanning tool to evaluate the thyroid gland. The scanner picks up where and how much the radioactive substance was taken up by the thyroid. This helps determine the structure, location, size, and activity of the gland.

The scan may be ordered to:

  • Determine the cause of an overactive thyroid ( hyperthyroidism )
  • Test how well the thyroid is working
  • Determine if a thyroid nodule is functioning (eg, if it is making thyroid hormone)

Thyroid
Thyroid
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Possible Complications

Thyroid scans are associated with very few risks. Tell your doctor if you:

  • Have an allergy to medicine or food (including iodine or shellfish )
  • Are (or might be) pregnant or breastfeeding—the test could expose the baby to radiation
  • Take any medicines on a regular basis—some can interfere with test results
  • If you recently had any CAT scans , cardiac catheterizations , or other imaging tests that use contrast dye

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you experience any unusual pain or discomfort.

In case of an emergency, CALL 911.

 
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