Thyroid gland

Thyroid scans and thyroid uptake scans provide information about the structure and function of the thyroid gland.

Test preparation

Please inform us as soon as possible if you are taking the drug Amiodarone or if you have had intravenous iodinated contrast (special ‘dye’ as part of a CT scan) recently.

Please inform us:

• if you are pregnant or if you think you are pregnant
• if you are breast feeding
• if you have an allergy to iodine
• You should discuss with your doctor with regards to thyroxine hormone replacement before the scan. 

Exam procedure

The radioactive tracer is administered either orally or injected into a vein.

A special camera will be positioned close to your neck.

You will not normally need to remove any clothing.