Thyroid scintigraphy
Hospital o serveis complementaris relacionats
General Hospital
Cross-departmental services
Description
What is for?
To determine the shape, size and location of the thyroid gland. It can also detect nodules or areas of hyperactivity or hypoactivity.
Who does it work?
A slightly radioactive isotope of iodine is injected intravenously. When it is captured by the thyroid gland, a gamma camera detects the gamma radiation from the iodine taken in by the thyroid gland and gives us an image of the gland and its more and less active areas.
Risks
Although a radioactive substance is used, the level of radiation is very low. It is not recommended in pregnant women.
Alternatives
An ultrasound can be useful in detecting nodules, but it does not given an idea of the level of activity in the same way as scintigraphy does.