Preparation

• Many drugs interfere with this scan. Please consult your doctor four to six weeks before this test to determine which medications to stop.
• You will be given super-saturated potassium iodide (SSKI) or Lugol's solution to block the tracer from entering the thyroid gland; One drop on the tongue three times daily starting one day before tracer injection and continuing for one week.
• The injection will be given on Tuesday and pictures will be taken for about one hour every day for three days.
• Bring a list of all medications and supplements you take. This includes vitamins, herbal remedies, and holistic medications.
• Do not bring children or pregnant women with you to the department. We do not want to expose them to unnecessary radiation.
• Any of these procedures is subject to change according to the nuclear medicine physician. The duration of the tests is a rough estimate. Please be aware that the time may be lengthened if a scan has to be repeated, if emergency cases are brought to the department or due to unforeseen circumstances.

  About the Procedure
  Initial visit - 15 minutes.
  Pictures - one to one and a half hours per day 24, 48, and 72 hours after tracer injection.

  • A technologist will briefly explain the test to you and try to answer any questions you may have about the procedure.
  • A technologist will ask you a few questions about your medical history and medications.
  • The technologist will set up a butterfly intravenous needle in your vein.
  • You will be given an injection of a radioactive tracer through the intravenous. The injection is given slowly, over about 30 seconds.
  • You will come back for pictures 24, 48 and possibly 72 hours after the tracer injection.
  • The technologist will ask you to lie on a bed, and will then place the camera above you.
  • A picture will be taken from head to toe as one long 50 to 60 minute picture.
  • Additional pictures may be required from different angles, each lasting up to 20 minutes.