Thyroid Uptake and Scan (I-123)
Your doctor has ordered a thyroid uptake and scan. The role of this procedure is to evaluate thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and goiter. Our team of specialized doctors, nurses and technologists is led by Alan Waxman, MD, Chief of Nuclear Medicine.
Before Your Exam
You must discontinue thyroid hormones for 6 weeks prior to your exam.
You must not be taking antithyroid medications (PTU and tapazole) for at least five days prior to your exam.
You must consult with your physician before discontinuing your medications.
You must not have had iodinated contrast material (IVP, CT with contrast, myelogram or angiogram) for at least 6 weeks prior to your exam.
You must avoid excessive sushi, seaweed products, kelp and seafood for one week.
We want to make your waiting time as pleasant as possible. Consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass the time.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
During Your Exam
Upon arrival, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will visit the department three times.
On your first visit, you will swallow a small radioactive iodine capsule.
On your second visit (four hours after taking the capsule), you will have an uptake measurement, pictures of your thyroid gland and an examination of your thyroid gland by the nuclear medicine physician.
You will be in a sitting position for your uptake measurement procedure and lying flat on your back while pictures of your thyroid gland are taken.
The uptake probe used to perform the uptake measurement and the gamma camera used to take pictures of your thyroid gland do not produce any radiation. Each instrument simply detects and/or records the distribution of radioactive material in your thyroid.
Measuring the uptake and taking pictures of your thyroid gland will take approximately one hour.
Finally, on your third visit (24 hours after taking the capsule), you will have a follow-up uptake measurement of your thyroid gland.
This final visit will take approximately five minutes.
After Your Exam
If you stopped your thyroid medication, you must call your physician for instructions before resuming your medication.
Your study will be reviewed by an imaging physician specialist and the results sent to your physician. Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.
To request a copy of your report, call (310) 423-8000.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
