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Thyroid scans (Tc-99m)

Overview

A Tc-99m thyroid scan is a nuclear medicine procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive material (Technetium-99m) to evaluate the structure and function of your thyroid gland. This scan assists in diagnosing thyroid issues such as nodules, goitres, or abnormalities in thyroid function.

Your doctor may recommend this scan for:

  • Diagnosing hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
  • Detecting thyroid nodules
  • Evaluating the size, shape, and position of the thyroid gland
  • Identifying ectopic (abnormally located) thyroid tissue
  • Assessing thyroid function
  • Monitoring thyroid treatment outcomes

  • Fasting: not required
  • Medications: Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, particularly thyroid medications, iodine-containing medications, or contrast agents from prior scans. These may need to be stopped for a certain period before the test.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, suspect you may be, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor, as the test might not be suitable for you.

  1. You will receive an injection of a small amount of Tc-99m, a radioactive tracer, into a vein in your arm.  
  2. After the injection, a waiting period of 15-30 minutes allows the tracer to concentrate in your thyroid gland.
  3. While lying on a table, a gamma camera will capture images of your thyroid. The procedure is painless and typically takes 30-45 minutes.

  • You can usually resume normal activities immediately after the scan.
  • Drink plenty of water over the next 24-48 hours to help flush out the radioactive tracer from your body.

The amount of radioactive material used is minimal and generally leaves your system within 1-2 days, presenting low risk. However, as with any medical procedure, discuss any concerns or allergies with your healthcare provider.

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