Nuclear Medicine - Thyroid Scan and Uptake

The thyroid scan and a radioactive iodine uptake test (RAIU), also known as a thyroid uptake, are types of nuclear medicine imaging. The thyroid scan and thyroid uptake provide information about the structure and function of the thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that controls metabolism, a chemical process that regulates the rate at which the body converts food to energy.

The thyroid scan is used to determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland. The thyroid uptake is performed to evaluate the function of the gland. A whole-body thyroid scan is typically performed on people who have had thyroid cancer.

A physician may perform these imaging tests to:
•    determine if the gland is working properly
•    help diagnose problems with the thyroid gland, such as an overactive thyroid gland, a condition called hyperthyroidism, cancer or other growths
•    assess the nature of a nodule discovered in the gland
•    detect areas of abnormality, such as lumps (nodules) or inflammation
•    determine whether thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland
evaluate changes in the gland following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy

Nuclear Medicine Services: