There's a small but safe amount of radiation contained in the radionuclide used in any thyroid scan. Your exposure to radiation will be minimal and within the acceptable ranges for diagnostic exams. There are no known long-term complications of having a nuclear medicine procedure.

How long are you radioactive after a thyroid uptake scan?

You are asked to ingest (swallow) radioactive iodine (I-123 or I-131) in liquid or capsule form. After a time (usually 6 and 24 hours later), you must return to have the radioactivity measured. A gamma probe is placed over the thyroid gland in the neck to measure the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid gland.

Why would a doctor order a thyroid uptake scan?

What is a Thyroid Uptake and Scan? A thyroid uptake and scan is a diagnostic imaging scan that allows the radiologist to determine the function of the thyroid. This scan can determine if the patient has thyroid cancer: persistent or recurrent disease, hyperthyroidism and thyroid nodule or goiter assessment.