THYROID SCAN PROCEDURE

If your doctor suspects that any of your thyroid gland’s components are not functioning properly or that the thyroid gland may be overactive, they may recommend that you get a nuclear medicine thyroid scan (hyperthyroidism). Additionally, it can aid in determining if thyroid nodules or lumps are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

PRE-PROCEDURE

• Any allergy or asthma history, as well as your medical history, must be disclosed to the doctor.
• No fasting is recommended before this procedure.
• You must hydrate yourself thoroughly.
• Please bring your previous reports or CDs if you have already performed this scan.
• As the imaging is to be done in the neck region, you should refrain from wearing any jewellery or neck accessories.
• Avoid using your phone while the procedure is being done.
• If you think you might be pregnant or are currently pregnant, tell your doctor.

DURING PROCEDURE

• It will take about 30 to 40 minutes to complete this process.
• You’ll be given a tablet containing radioactive iodine, and you’ll have to wait until it gathers in your thyroid. A second scan may be performed 24 hours after the first one, which is typically performed 4 to 6 hours following iodine ingestion. A technetium-containing substance may be used for extra or alternative imaging.
• You will lie on your back on a mobile table with your neck and chest placed under the scanner once the radioiodine has been absorbed by the thyroid.
• The scanner locates and measures the gamma rays’ intensity. You must remain still during this step of the treatment so that the scanner can capture an accurate image.
• The camera will be placed extremely closely over your head during the thyroid scan while you are lying down on a bed, but it won’t touch you. The camera may move somewhat during the roughly 5-minute duration of each photograph as it is shot. You must remain completely motionless and avoid swallowing during this period; else, the images will get distorted.
• If you have trouble doing this, kindly talk to a staff member before or during your scan. Your neck may need to be examined by a nuclear medicine specialist, to feel for any thyroid nodules or enlarged glands.
• The data is then transferred to a computer, which shows pictures of the thyroid and any potential nodules that may have absorbed the iodine.

POST-PROCEDURE

• For the remainder of the day, consume 2 liters of water. This is necessary to remove any radioactive medication that may still be present in the body.
• For 24 hours, you must keep away from young children and expectant women to prevent radioactive exposure.
• Following the surgery, there are no dietary restrictions, and you are free to continue your regular activities.