Scan using a radioactive medication (radiopharmaceutical) to take pictures or images of the thyroid gland.

Procedure Information

What is a Scan Using a Radioactive Medication (Radiopharmaceutical) to Take Pictures or Images of the Thyroid Gland?

A scan using a radioactive medication to take pictures or images of the thyroid gland is a procedure that uses a small amount of a radioactive substance to produce a picture of the thyroid gland.

Why Would I Get a Scan Using a Radioactive Medication (Radiopharmaceutical) to Take Pictures or Images of the Thyroid Gland?

The scan is used to evaluate how the thyroid gland is functioning, detect any abnormalities in the thyroid gland, or determine if there is a need for further tests.

What Happens During a Scan Using a Radioactive Medication (Radiopharmaceutical) to Take Pictures or Images of the Thyroid Gland?

First, a small amount of a radioactive medication, called a radiopharmaceutical, is injected into your body. The radiopharmaceutical will be absorbed by your thyroid gland, and then a special imaging camera will take pictures or images of the thyroid gland.

What to Expect After a Scan Using a Radioactive Medication (Radiopharmaceutical) to Take Pictures or Images of the Thyroid Gland?

After the scan is complete, it is common to experience a warm feeling or flush in the face and neck area where the radiopharmaceutical was injected. You may also feel a tingling sensation in the area. This is normal.

Conclusion

A scan using a radioactive medication (radiopharmaceutical) to take pictures or images of the thyroid gland is a procedure used to evaluate how the thyroid gland is functioning, detect any abnormalities in the thyroid gland, or determine if there is a need for further tests. After the scan is completed, it is common to experience a warm feeling or flush in the face and neck area where it was injected. You may also feel a tingling sensation in the area. This is normal and will subside after a few minutes.