Question 1

no risk for thyroid nuclear scan?

Accepted Answer

None.: The amount of tc99m or iodine given is a small dose and does not pose a health risk for a radioactive thyroid scan.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: thyroid nuclear scan?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid scan: This scan involves taking orally a small dose of radioactive iodine. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid and produces an image. "cold" areas are places with no iodine uptake.  "hot" areas have a lot of uptake.  The radiologist also calculates the percent uptake of the iodine. This test is important in the diagnosis of hyperthyoidism, thyroid cancer, and follow up of thyroid cancer.

Question 3

what does abnormal uptake on a thyroid nuclear scan mean?

Accepted Answer

Low or high?: Low uptake could indicate hypothyroidism, while high uptake might indicate hyperthyroidism (grave's disease).  The test  (scan) you had would have also detected a hot nodule, which would need to be surgically removed.  But it does not appear by your question that this is of concern.

Question 4

question on thyroid nuclear scan - do you stay radioactive for a while?

Accepted Answer

Not really.: The half-life of the tc99m used in most scans is such that you are radiation free in 24hrs.  Also, the amount used is very small.  Don't worry.

Question 5

how long do i have to be on a low iodine diet for thyroid nuclear scan?

Accepted Answer

7days: Patient s should be on low iodine diet for one week before the the scan.

Question 6

is sea salt ok before thyroid nuclear scan?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: Most scans in the us use radioiodine. In this situation, table salt which contains iodine will interfere with the scan; sea salt generally contains very little iodine and should not interfere much with the test. If you get a tc99m pertechnetate thyroid scan, which is more commonly used in europe, sea salt before the scan is ok.

Question 7

no salt (or just no iodinated salt) for thyroid nuclear scan?

Accepted Answer

Regular salt is OK: Salt without iodine (if you can find it is ok).  The scan requires a low iodine diet.

Question 8

is thyroid nuclear scan a better test than ultrasound of the thyroid ?

Accepted Answer

Thyroid scan vs sono: The nuclear scan and the ultrasound of the thyroid are used for different reasons so one is not "better" than the other. The nuclear scan assesses the activity of the thyroid and can assess size and if the thyroid is over or underactive. The sonogram can assess the size and look for changes in density showing the presence of cysts and solid tumors.

Question 9

is a thyroid nuclear scan considered to be a treatment or just a test?

Accepted Answer

Test: Uses:  hyperthyroid patients, following thyroid cancer, and as a prelude to receiving radioactive iodine to treat thyroid cancer.  Should not be used routinely to work up thyroid nodules.

Question 10

is thyroid nuclear scan a better investigation than ultrasound?

Accepted Answer

Tests: The ultrasound is the best test for determining thyroid size and nodule characteristics.  The scan can help determine risk for cancer.  A better test than the scan is needle biopsy.  The biopsy is ther most definite test short of major surgery.

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Doctor answers about:

Thyroid nuclear scan

A member asked:

No risk for thyroid nuclear scan?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: thyroid nuclear scan?

A member asked:

What does abnormal uptake on a thyroid nuclear scan mean?

A member asked:

Question on thyroid nuclear scan - do you stay radioactive for a while?

A member asked:

How long do i have to be on a low iodine diet for thyroid nuclear scan?

A member asked:

Is sea salt ok before thyroid nuclear scan?

A member asked:

No salt (or just no iodinated salt) for thyroid nuclear scan?

A member asked:

Is thyroid nuclear scan a better test than ultrasound of the thyroid ?

A member asked:

Is a thyroid nuclear scan considered to be a treatment or just a test?

A member asked:

Is thyroid nuclear scan a better investigation than ultrasound?

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