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Thyroid scan - Risks

Alternative Names

Scan - thyroid; Radioactive iodine screening test - thyroid; RAUI; Nuclear scan - thyroid

What the risks are:

All radiation has possible side effects. There is a very small amount of radiation in the tracer swallowed during this test. 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 health care provider will usually consider the concerns regarding radiation side effects when the test is ordered, but the benefits of taking the test usually far outweigh the risks.

Special considerations:

Thyroid scans using radionuclides are used with other studies, such as blood tests and ultrasound, to evaluate the thyroid. Your doctor may send you for more than one type of test.

  • Reviewed last on: 5/13/2010
  • Benjamin Taragin, MD, Department of Radiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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