What is the normal 24 hour radioactive iodine uptake?
The normal values of thyroid uptake of radiotracer are 3 to 16% at 6 hours and 8 to 25% at 24 hours. These values may change according to laboratory standard techniques or patient dietary habits. The thyroid gland can uptake more or less than normal.
What does increased uptake mean on thyroid scan?
Higher-than-normal uptake may be due to an overactive thyroid gland. The most common cause is Graves disease. Other conditions can cause some areas of higher-than-normal uptake in the thyroid gland.
What is radioactive iodine uptake?
An RAIU shows how well your thyroid is functioning. A thyroid scan shows the size, shape, and position of the gland. Your doctor may recommend an RAIU scan if you have symptoms of an overactive thyroid, blood work indicating an overactive thyroid, or an enlarged thyroid gland.
What is involved in a thyroid uptake scan?
For the uptake, you will swallow a small dose of radioactive material (tracer). This tracer collects in your thyroid gland and gives off gamma and beta rays. A sensor will detect how much of the tracer your thyroid absorbs. Scan.
What is the difference between thyroid scan and uptake?
The thyroid scan is used to determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland. The thyroid uptake is performed to evaluate the function of the gland. A whole-body thyroid scan is typically performed on people who have or had thyroid cancer.
Is a thyroid uptake scan safe?
The risk is minimal. The amount of radioactivity is very small and there have been no documented side effects. However, as with any radiation exposure, this test is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. The amount of iodine used is less than a normal dietary iodine intake.
What happens to thyroid after radioactive iodine?
Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid, and destroys the cells in the thyroid gland. This has the effect of reducing the amount of thyroxine made by the thyroid gland and may also reduce the size of the gland.
How long are you radioactive after a thyroid uptake scan?
The radioactive iodine leaves your body through your urine. You should not need to take special precautions, such as flushing twice after urinating, for 24 to 48 hours after the test. Ask your provider or the radiology/nuclear medicine team performing the scan about taking precautions.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Possible long term side effects include:
- Ability to have children (fertility) Some women may have irregular periods after radioactive iodine treatment.
- Inflammation of the salivary glands (where spit is made)
- Tiredness.
- Dry or watery eyes.
- Lower levels of blood cells.
- Lung problems.
- Second cancers.
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine?
- Neck tenderness and swelling.
- Nausea.
- Swollen salivary glands.
- Loss of taste or taste change.
- Dry mouth/insufficient salivary production.
- Dry eyes.
- Excessive tearing from the eyes.
Can the thyroid gland grow back after radioactive iodine?
Once hypothyroidism has been achieved, it is usually irreversible with the patient requiring lifelong thyroid replacement. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism after RAI therapy may be due to inadequate dosing or early Marine Lenhart syndrome.
What are the side effects of radioiodine treatment?