“I was referred to a thyroid scan with nuclear medicine. Any side effects?”
I'm going to have a nuclear medicine thyroid scan to see if I have hyperthyroidism. I've never had this test before, so I'm honestly nervous for it. My doctor didn't mention any adverse effects from the scan. So, should I be expecting any effects after it?
1 Answer
There are no side effects from this scan. You will be given a pill containing a very small amount of radioactive iodine. Since iodine is what the thyroid uses to make thyroid hormone, the radioactive version used for the scan allows imaging of your thyroid. You will have to wait 24 hrs after taking the iodine pill before you’re imaged in order to allow the thyroid to adequately take up the iodine.
I hope this answers your question.
I hope this answers your question.
