Thyroid scintigraphy – Thyroid scan using technetium

Description thyroid scan

Scintigram thyroid – test, which uses a radioactive substance and an apparatus to scan for assessment of the thyroid gland. With a scanner determined, where and how much radioactive material has been absorbed by the thyroid gland. This helps determine the structure, location, the size and activity of cancer.

Causes of thyroid scan

Scans can be scheduled for the following purposes:

• Determining the cause of an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism);
• Check the functioning of the thyroid gland;
• Determine, does the formation of nodular thyroid (eg, Whether produced by thyroid hormone).

Possible complications of thyroid scan

Scanning the thyroid rarely causes complications. Tell your doctor about the following:

• There are allergies to medicines or food (including iodine and mollusks);
• There Pregnancy (suspected pregnancy) or held breastfeeding – the test could expose the baby at risk of exposure;
• Give your doctor a list of drugs taken – some of them can affect test results;
• If you recently performed CT scan, heart catheterization or other tests, which used a contrast agent.

How is the thyroid scan?

Preparation for the procedure

• You may be asked to avoid before scanning certain food consumption (containing iodine) or medication for thyroid. Some of these may affect the results;
• It is necessary to remove jewelry, dentures, and other metal objects;
• You may be asked not to eat or drink at night.
• Your doctor may order tests, to determine the amount of thyroid hormone in the blood.

Description thyroid scintigraphy

The procedure is performed by a qualified technician in the radiology department of the hospital.

You need to take into radioactive substance. After, as a substance to accumulate in the thyroid gland, It begins scanning. You will lie on your back, Goal tilted back. You will need to lie still for a while. A special scanner will remove your thyroid from different angles.

Scanner is not an x-ray machine, and does not expose you to additional exposure. Maybe, You will need to return to the radiology department through 24 o'clock, for additional photos.

After scanning of the thyroid gland

You can leave the hospital and deal with the daily chores.

Because of the very low activity of the radioactive substance, most of it in a day or two will be withdrawn from the body. You will not be at risk of exposure to other people.

How long will the thyroid scintigraphy?

Needless to scan takes about half an hour. Radioactive substances takes time, Before Scan to get the thyroid gland. Maybe, the drug must be taken for the 4-6 hours before scanning.

Will scanning hurt the thyroid gland?

Scanning thyroid bezbolevnenno. The scanning process can be uncomfortable to lie, rejecting his head back.

The results of thyroid scintigraphy

The radiologist will examine the images received. Based on the results of the test will be recommended for further examination or treatment.

Contact your doctor when thyroid scintigraphy

Call a doctor, If you have any unusual pain or discomfort.