Will the radioactive iodine capsule work for my thyroid uptake scan?

Yes: Capsules of 131i are given in small doses to see how much and where in the thyroid iodine can be picked up. Larger doses are used to treat hyperthyroidism due to graves' disease and toxic (multi)nodular goiters. Very large doses are used to treat thyroid cancers that pick up radioiodine. Talk to your doctor.

YES: An uptake value will be established. Uptake can be low, normal, or high. Scan will be diagnostic if enough iodine localizes in the thyroid gland. Large amounts of stable iodine from iodized salt and ocean seafood can compete with radiodine and decrease uptake.

Yes: A capsule of i-123 is taken usually 24 hours prior to a thyroid uptake and scan. To achieve reliable test results make sure you have not had a contrast-enhanced ct scan in the last 6-8 weeks (as contrast agents usually have large amounts of iodine) and your are not taking anti-thyroid medications (methimazole or ptu). Good luck!