I 123 Uptake and Thyroid Scan

A thyroid uptake and scan is a special test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to examine how the thyroid gland looks and how it works.

A thyroid uptake and scan is performed to determine size, structure and function of the thyroid gland.

Before Your Procedure

• Tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing.
• Your physician may instruct you not to take certain thyroid medications, as they will interfere with the test results.
• You should tell your physician and the technologist performing the exam if you are taking any herbal supplements, as they may also affect the test results.
• Do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to receiving the I 123 capsule(s) and for 2 hours after receiving the capsule.

During Your Procedure

This test is done in 2 parts on 2 separate days.

On the First Day:

• You will be asked to swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine (or tracer) in capsule form. There are no side effects from the capsule. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine and will absorb the radioactive tracer.
• The first day visit will take about 15 minutes.

On the Second Day:

• You will return for the scan and uptake procedures.
• You will be positioned on a table on your back.
• The camera will be positioned close to your face and neck and will acquire 3 pictures.
• Each picture can take as long as 10-15 minutes.
• Total length of the second day visit is about 30-45 minutes.

After Your Procedure

Your doctor will be contacted with the results of your test and will discuss the results with you.