Thyroid Scan

Nuclear medicine is the use of small amounts of radioactive materials to gain images for diagnosis or treatment of various conditions or diseases. Images are created by administering a radioactive compound (“tracer”) which targets a particular region of interest. All tests are safe and non-invasive.

Unlike other scanning methods such as: X-rays, nuclear medicine test provides information about physiology and function.

Your doctor has requested a Thyroid Scan for you and in this leaflet we describe what is involved.

Please read through everything very carefully.

What is this study going to show?

The purpose of this study is to obtain pictures of your Thyroid gland. This will help your doctor diagnose your condition and give you appropriate treatment.

Please allow approximately 45 to 90 minutes for the study, depending on whether you are having a consultation with our Nuclear Medicine physician.

Is the radioactivity harmful?

Your test will involve the use of a small amount of ionising radiation (similar to a CT scan) and the risk associated with this is low.  The main benefit of the test is making the correct diagnosis, so you can get the treatment that is right for you.  This benefit is far greater than the small risk of radiation.

Preparing for the study

You may eat and drink as normal. If you are taking regular medication, continue as normal. However, if you are taking thyroid medication, please inform us as soon as possible as some may need to be suspended prior to your scan.

Carbimazole must be stopped 5 days before your scan date. PTU and Thyroxin should be stopped for 4 weeks.

Special instructions

If you are taking multi-vitamins or anything else containing iodine (kelp or seaweed tablets for example) or if you have had any X-ray contrast agent injections containing iodine in the last 2 months (for a CT scan for example), please call us as soon as possible, as we may have to postpone your scan to avoid an inaccurate result.

What does the study involve?

Radioactive Tracer Injection

At the beginning of the study we will go through a questionnaire with you about your medications you may be on and about what symptoms you may be having. We will then inject a small amount of radioactive tracer into a vein in your arm. There is a waiting period of 20 minutes.

Waiting Period

You will be asked to wait in our waiting room for this period and just before your scan, you will be asked to drink some water which will rinse the mouth and throat allowing good quality pictures.

Thyroid Scan

Before the thyroid scan you will be required to remove any items of jewellery or metal objects from around your neck. You will not be required to change out of your own clothes.

You will lie on the scanning bed and pictures of your thyroid gland will be taken using a gamma camera. The camera will be close to your body, and you will need to stay as still as possible. Scanning will take about 10 minutes.

How long does the test take?

Your stay with us will be approximately 45 minutes and up to 90 minutes if you are also scheduled to have a consultation with our Nuclear Medicine physician.

Further information

Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff in the department if you have any questions.

Alternatively, you can contact the booking office on 020 3315 8415

If you are currently on any medication please continue having them but contact us as soon as possible in case some medications need to be suspended. If possible please bring you list of medications with you.

Can I bring a friend with me?

Yes, although some parts of your test may require your friend to sit outside the examination room.  Please do NOT bring children or pregnant women (unless the test is for the child).   

What measures I have to take?

We advise patients to drink plenty of fluids to flush the remaining radioactivity out of the body. You may then resume a normal diet unless advised otherwise.

What happens to the study results?

A report will be sent to your consultant doctor within two weeks. Unfortunately you will not receive results on the day of your test.

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you believe that you may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding it is important that you contact the department as soon as possible before your test, as it may need to be rescheduled.

Contact information

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

Nuclear Medicine Department
1st Floor, Lift Bank D (within main X-Ray department)
T: 020 3315 8415