A thyroid scan is a diagnostic imaging test that may be recommended to assess the function of the gland. The procedure may be suggested in the case of suspected thyroid malfunction, abnormal thyroid tests, or symptoms that may indicate issues with the gland’s health. If you have to undergo a thyroid scan, you may wonder what to expect after the procedure, if it is safe to return to work, and what other precautions you have to take.
Most patients may resume their daily activities after the scan, but there are a number of circumstances that determine the corresponding restrictions. Dr. Nikunj Jain, Co-Founder and Head of Nuclear Medicine at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, informs patients about the application of nuclear medicine and ensures that the corresponding medical and precautionary instructions are provided.
What Happens After a Thyroid Scan?
After the thyroid scan, the obtained images will be analyzed by the specialists to evaluate the condition of the thyroid gland. The radioactive tracer allows assessment of the gland’s functionality as it is taken up uniformly throughout the organ, with some spots that might be more intensely labeled. Subsequently, the staff will provide you with the corresponding instructions, dietary guidelines, and precautions that should be taken after the scan, and you will be able to return to your regular activities.
The radiologist will also give you information regarding the estimated time for the report and the correspondence between the results of the scan, blood tests, and the symptoms you may be experiencing. However, the results of the thyroid scan may not always be sufficient for the evaluation of a possible thyroid condition; therefore, additional tests may also be necessary.
What Precautions Should You Follow After a Thyroid Scan?
Make sure to follow the nuclear medicine staff’s instructions after the thyroid scan. Depending on the type of tracer, you may be instructed to drink fluids and urinate frequently to eliminate the radioactive material from your body. Wash your hands after using the toilet and maintain good hygiene. In case of specific instructions concerning the limitations of contact with other people, make sure to follow them carefully for the specified time.
The precautions listed above cannot be applied to all types of thyroid scans, and different instructions were provided to the patients for different reasons. Therefore, make sure to get explicit information from the specialists on the precautions you should take after the procedure. In addition, patients should not make decisions concerning the suspension or dosage of thyroid medications unless they consult this issue with the physician. The doctor will provide instructions on the necessity of medication changes depending on the results of the scan.
Can You Eat and Drink After a Thyroid Scan?
In most cases, the procedure does not impose restrictions on eating and drinking, which is why patients are allowed to resume their regular daily routines. However, if any special dietary instructions have been provided to you before the scan, make sure to follow them. The thyroid scan can be performed with different tracers; for example, radioactive iodine can be used for the evaluation of iodine absorption, while other tracers are labeled with different types of radionuclides.
It may be necessary to increase fluid intake to eliminate the radioactive material from the body. However, the instructions concerning the diet and fluid intake should only be determined by the nuclear medicine staff. If there are any limitations imposed by your condition and medical history that prevent you from increasing your fluid intake or consuming water at all, make sure to inform the staff and clarify the instructions.
Are There Any Side Effects After a Thyroid Scan?
A thyroid scan is a minimally invasive and generally safe procedure that does not lead to adverse effects. The procedure itself is not painful, but some individuals may experience discomfort at the injection site in the case of IV administration of the tracer. Make sure to inform the staff if you have any concerns or feel unwell after the procedure. Radiation exposure should be minimized when the material is utilized for diagnostic purposes.
The procedure utilizes a low dose of radiation, but it is important to evaluate potential benefits and risks for the indication of each patient’s case. If you feel concerned or experience unusual symptoms after the procedure, seek advice from the nuclear medicine team. In the case of a life-threatening emergency due to the application of the tracer, it is recommended to call an ambulance. For example, if you have received an injection of radiopharmaceutical and experience difficulties in breathing or swelling of the lips and face, emergency medical assistance should be sought.
What Should Pregnant or Breastfeeding Patients Know?
Pregnant and breastfeeding patients should inform the staff or the physician prior to the procedure. Alternative options for the procedure or a waiting period may be considered, depending on the indication for the scan. Radioactive tracers may lead to restrictions in breastfeeding, and radioactive breast milk may appear for a limited period after the injection until it is cleared from the body. If breastfeeding is practiced before the procedure, make sure to clarify with the staff or physician what precautions should be taken for the duration of the tracer’s impact.
When Will You Receive Your Thyroid Scan Report?
The duration of scan reporting depends on the imaging center and the protocol for the patient’s case. The specialist will assess the images, the structure, and the functionality of the gland depending on the radioactive tracer’s distribution. The results of the scan may be correlated with the results of blood tests, such as TSH and hormones, to determine the overall health state of the gland and the reason for malfunction, if it is detected. Make sure to ask the facility for the estimated duration of the scan report preparation and clarify the results with the physician to receive the corresponding treatment recommendations.
Conlusion
If you have any questions or concerns about your aftercare instructions, medication, or the results of the scan, make sure to contact the facility, the staff, or your personal physician. If you have concerns regarding the precautions stated by the specialists on the thyroid scan, you may contact the nuclear medicine team for further instructions.
Dr. Nikunj Jain, Co-Founder and Head of Nuclear Medicine at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, informs patients about the application of nuclear medicine and ensures that the corresponding medical and precautionary instructions are provided. Patients should follow the instructions recommended by the physician or the staff of the nuclear medicine facility.