Thyroid Scans

A thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show the structure and function of your thyroid gland. 

Your thyroid gland sits at the front of your neck below your Adam’s apple. It makes the thyroid hormone to help your body use energy and stay warm. The hormone also affects your brain, heart, and muscles.

Your doctor might order this test to:

• Find the cause of an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
• Check thyroid lumps or swelling (nodules or goiter)
• Sometimes to look for thyroid cancer

During the test, your doctor gives you a tiny amount of radioactive iodine in a pill or liquid. Then, they use a special scanner to take pictures and measurements of your thyroid.

The scan is often done with another test called a radioactive iodine uptake test. Together, the tests help your doctor know if your thyroid gland is working as it should. 

Let us know if:

• You are allergic to latex, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• What medicines you take. We will let you know if you should stop taking any before the test. Follow these instructions carefully.  
• You had an X-ray procedure with a dye injection in the last two months. For example, a CT scan, CAT scan, intravenous pyelogram (IVP), angiogram, venogram, or myelogram.

One week before the test, you will need to stop eating foods with iodine. These include kelp and some health foods, cough syrup, and herbal medicines.

If you cannot make your appointment, please tell us. We will schedule your appointment for another patient.

Risks:

• All radiation has possible side effects. The amount of radioactivity in this test is very small, and there are no known side effects.
• This test is not done for pregnant women because it could expose your baby to radiation. It is also not recommended if you are breastfeeding or have young children.
• If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor.

A thyroid scan takes place over two days, and you will visit the Nuclear Medicine Department two to three times. 

On the first day of the test:

• Do not eat anything for four hours before your appointment.
• Arrive 10 minutes before your appointment time.
• Check in with the receptionist when you arrive.
• Bring your photo ID and BC Care Card (personal health number).
• Do not bring children under the age of 12 unless you bring someone to care for them during the test.
• Please do not wear perfume, cologne, or aftershave to your appointment. Some people are allergic to fragrance ingredients and can suffer severe reactions.

We will ask you to remove jewellery, any metal objects on your upper body, and dentures if you wear them.

The radioactive tracer will not make you feel any different. It leaves your body through your urine and stool. Your body will naturally get rid of the tracer over the next two weeks.

We will send your test results to your doctor within five working days. If your doctor does not have your results within two weeks, please ask them to contact us.

If you plan to travel within two weeks of this test, please tell us. We will give you a letter that says you were given a small amount of radioactive material.

The Indigenous Wellness Liaison Team is here to support your health journey. Team members offer cultural support and healthcare advocacy. Learn more below or call them at 604-682-2344,62937 or email IWL@providencehealth.bc.ca.

Nuclear Medicine Department

2nd Floor, Providence Wing, St. Paul’s Hospital

St. Paul's Hospital: Transportation, parking & drop-off information

A doctor at St. Paul’s Hospital Thyroid Clinic may refer you for this test.