What is a Thyroid Scan?
A Thyroid scan will show the outline, shape, and position of your thyroid so that the doctor can determine whether it is enlarged and whether there are any suspicious growths or nodules. The scan also provides a measure of thyroid function.
How long does a Thyroid Scan take?
Please allow approximately 1 hour for this scan to be completed.
What preparation is there for a Thyroid Scan?
Please notify the practice if you have had a recent CT scan with contrast injection.
Cease Thyroxine (Oroxine) 5 days prior. You can eat and drink as normal; avoid wearing jewellery around your neck. Please bring your referral from the doctor, any relevant recent scans/tests, and your Medicare card.
What does a Thyroid Scan involve?
You will be given a small injection of a radioactive tracer that is taken up by the Thyroid. This injection will not make you feel any different. Following a short wait (15-30 minutes), images will be acquired of your Thyroid. You will be required to remain still while your head and neck is place under a scanning camera. During the scan a small plastic marker will be placed on your chest.
When are the results available?
After your scan is completed a Nuclear Medicine Physician will review your scan and write a report of the results. This report and the scan images will be sent securely electronically to your referring doctor/specialist. If you require your results to be sent to a different doctor please advise the staff on the day of your scan.
Are there any costs for this scan?
No, your scan will be Bulk Billed. This means there is NO out of pocket cost for you if you qualify for Medicare.