Thyroid scan

Alternative names:

nuclear scan - thyroid; radioactive iodine screening test, thyroid; RAUI; scan - thyroid

What the risks are:

All radiation has possible side effects. There is a very small amount of radiation in the iodine ingested during this test, but women who are nursing or pregnant should discuss the risks to the fetus or infant with their health care providers before taking this test. The concerns regarding radiation side effects are taken into consideration when the test is ordered, but the benefits of taking the test usually far outweigh the risks.

Special considerations:

Thyroid tests are about 80 to 85% accurate; however, usually 2 or more tests are required to determine the cause of thyroid dysfunction.