Preparing for a Thyroid Scan

If you are given a prescription for a thyroid scan, there are several steps you will need to follow before having the scan. A thyroid scan may be ordered to determine if your thyroid gland is functioning as it should.

Make arrangements before your thyroid scan to have someone to accompany you. In most circumstances no assistance is needed, but it is better to have someone with you just in case your situation is different.

In most cases you will be told not to eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your thyroid scan. This means you will also not take any medication you normally do unless your physician has told you to take it. Be sure you have discussed with your physician all medications you usually take. In some instances a physician may tell you to avoid certain medications for 24 hours before the scan.

Remove any jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, contacts or other items that are attached to your body before your scan. Leave as many of these items as you can at home.

Approximately 4 hours before the scan is to be performed you will be given a pill or liquid containing what is called radioactive iodine. This may sound frightening to some, however is considered safe for such tests.

After the scan is performed you will return to have a second scan in 24 hours. Any results from your scans will be given to your physician.

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