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Thyroid scintigraphy is a test that assesses the morphology of the thyroid gland and the degree of tissue differentiation in nodules. This is a radioactive isotope test.
Thyroid scintigraphyconsists in obtaining an image of the thyroid gland and possible neoplastic metastases. On its basis, the endocrinologist also assesses the size of the gland and the degree of possible going behind the sternum (the so-called retrosternal goitre). Scintigraphy is also performed when rarely occurring malformations of the gland or its grafts are suspected (e.g.goiterlingual), as well as after surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Report the medications you are taking (especially thyroid hormones and iodine preparations) to your doctor, as they may inhibit the uptake of the radiotracer by the thyroid for up to several months. Uptake of the radiotracer may also be blocked for up to six months by tests with the use of contrast and eating more fish. If you are pregnant, you should also report it. The test is performed after intravenous or oral administration of a dose of the radioactive isotope - iodine-131 or technetium-99m. Technetium-99m solution is administered orally one hour before the measurement or intravenously 15 minutes before the test. Iodine scintigraphy is performed less frequently. The iodine-131 capsule is then administered 24 hours before the test. During the test, which lasts about 5 minutes, you must lie still. You get the result in the form of a description with attached printouts or photographic plates (scintigram). If you feel any discomfort during the examination, be sure to tell the person conducting the examination!
Thyroid tests
Thyroid examinations can be divided into two parts - examining the level of hormones produced by the thyroid gland and imaging examinations, the most popular of which is ultrasound. Our expert - endocrinologist Marta Kunkel from Medicover Hospital tells what these thyroid tests look like and what they show.