We would appreciate your feedback to help with continued
improvement of this resource. Ms Merrin Angwin Dr Dee Nandurkar
Date last modified: July 16, 2009 A Thyroid Scan is a nuclear
medicine test that provides information about the function and
structure of the thyroid gland. The scan involves injection of a
radiopharmaceutical into a vein in your arm and imaging with a
gamma camera. The thyroid gland consists of two lobes (rounded
parts or divisions) and is located in the lower part of the
front of the neck. The thyroid gland takes up iodine from the
bloodstream. Iodine is found in foods we eat such as sea fish,
milk, eggs and iodised salt. It stores the iodine and makes
thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are responsible for
controlling the body's metabolism (where food is converted into
energy) and growth. Sometimes you may need to stop taking
certain medications before you have a Thyroid Scan. When you
need to stop taking it will depend on the type of medication.
You should consult with your doctor about