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Imaging Services - Patient Instructions
I 123 Uptake and Thyroid Scan
A thyroid uptake and scan is a special test that uses a radioactive substance (or tracer) to examine how your thyroid gland looks and how it works.
A thyroid uptake and scan is performed to determine size, structure and function of the thyroid gland.
Before the examination, you should tell your physician if you are pregnant or nursing. Your physician may instruct you not to take certain thyroid medications, as they will interfere with the test results. You should tell your physician and the technologist performing the exam if you are taking any herbal supplements, as they may also affect your test results. Please do not eat or drink for four hours prior to receiving the I 123 capsule(s).
During the test: This test is done in two parts on two separate days. On the first day, you will be asked to swallow a small amount of radioactive iodine (or tracer) in capsule form. There are no side effects from the capsule. The thyroid gland absorbs iodine and will absorb the radioactive tracer. A special camera senses the radioactive substance and displays and stores this information on a computer. Your body usually eliminates the tracer within 24 hours. The radiation you are exposed to with the ingested radioactive substance is less than most x-ray procedures. The first day visit will take about 15 minutes. The next day you will return for the scan and uptake procedures. You will be positioned on a table and a cylindrical probe will be placed over your leg for two minutes. The probe is then moved over your thyroid gland for two minutes. This is to measure radioactivity in your thyroid versus your leg. A camera will then scan your thyroid area for about 20 minutes. Total length of the second day visit is about 30 minutes.
After the exam, will be examined by a radiologist and your physician will receive a report of the findings and discuss the result with you.
Providing safe, quality patient care is our highest priority. To help ensure quality and safety, we ask that you do not bring young children with you to your appointments, as children are not allowed to accompany you during Imaging procedures. Staff is unable to monitor your child in your absence.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your doctor or contact Imaging Services at (320) 255-5619.
Your appointment is on:
Date: ________________ Time: ________________ at the following location:
____ St. Cloud Hospital - please check in at Door A
____ CentraCare Health Plaza - please check in at Woodlands Entrance
Contact Us
St. Cloud Hospital
Imaging Services
1406 Sixth Avenue North
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-255-5619 |
CentraCare Health Plaza
Imaging Services
1900 CentraCare Circle
St. Cloud, MN 56303
320-229-4914 |
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