What is a Thyroid Scan and what does it do?
This test evaluates goiters, thyroid nodules, and sub-sternal masses. Please note that this study only evaluates thyroid tissue and unusual locations of thyroid tissue, but does not evaluate for carcinoma or glandular diseases.
Who performs the test?
The Nuclear Thyroid Scan will be performed by a Nuclear Medicine Technologist. The Nuclear Technologist is certified by the NMTCB (Nuclear Medicine Technology Certification Board), and/or the ARRT (The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists). All of the Nuclear Medicine Technologists at Jackson Hospital are licensed in the state of Florida.
Where does it take place?
The Thyroid Scan will be performed in the Nuclear Medicine Department at Jackson Hospital. This is located in Radiology at the main hospital.
How long does it take?
The total time of the exam is 45 minutes.
What can I do to make it a success?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
What should I do before the exam?
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- Remove any metallic objects before your scan.
- Bring a copy of your physicians order with you to your appointment.
What happens during the exam?
- You will be asked to remove any jewelry from around your neck.
- There will be an intravenous injection before the scan is started.
- You will then lie on the imaging table, and there will be a detector that scans your Thyroid Gland from several different angles.
What should I do after the exam?
Your images will be processed after your scan. They will then be submitted to the Radiologist for review and interpretation. The results will be forwarded to the ordering physician when the Radiologists transcription is complete.
Contact Information:
Hospital (main operator): (850) 526-2200
Nuclear Medicine Department: (850) 718-2584
Radiology Department (at hospital): (850) 718-2580
4250 Hospital Drive • Marianna, Florida 32446-1917 • 850-526-2200