Diagnosing Thyroid Problems

Thyroid Scan and Uptake

The thyroid scan and uptake are thyroid function tests that help your medical professional in diagnosing thyroid problems. These two thyroid function tests are often taken together.

The thyroid scan is a procedure that's designed to help your doctor get information about the structure and function of a patient's thyroid gland. The thyroid scan shows the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland. The thyroid uptake evaluates how well your thyroid is doing its job. The thyroid uptake test is known technically as a "radioactive iodine uptake" or RAIU.

Both the thyroid scan and uptake use nuclear imaging. This process employs harmless radioactive material to "paint a picture" which helps determine any thyroid problems you may be facing. Both the thyroid scan and uptake are noninvasive and usually painless. In cases where the patient has previously had thyroid cancer, a whole-body thyroid scan is done.

These tests are also used to

• detect hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid or high thyroid)
• detect thyroid cancer and determine it has spread beyond the thyroid gland
• detect other abnormalities like inflammation or thyroid nodules
• measure changes in the thyroid following surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy

These tests, like most tests employing nuclear technology, are generally performed on an outpatient basis, but may also take place during a hospital stay as well.

Also see thyroid function tests interpretation and thyroid blood tests.

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