Please read this leaflet carefully in conjunction with your appointment letter.
If you require further any information, please contact the Nuclear Medicine Department – tel. 0161 206 4861
Why do I need this scan?
Your doctor would like you to come here for a thyroid scan to study the function of this gland. You can opt to refuse this test, but we strongly recommend that you discuss this with your doctor before making a decision.
Preparation for your scan
Please contact us by phoning 0161 206 4861 with a list of all the medication you are taking and to confirm your appointment
You should continue taking your medication as normal unless advised to stop.
You should drink plenty before and after your scan.
How is the scan performed?
This test will take about 1 hour to complete.
You will receive a small injection of a radioactive substance into a vein, usually in your arm. This will circulate around your body and be absorbed by your thyroid gland within about 20 mins. This allows us to take pictures, called a scan.
For the scan you will lie on an imaging table with your arms down by your side, while a special camera, called a gamma camera, performs the scan. Usually there is no need to undress.
You will need to remove jewellery, keys or other metallic objects from your person / pockets.
The scan generally takes approximately 30 minutes but can take longer depending on the individual.
Having the scan does not hurt but it is important that you keep still. If you are uncomfortable, please tell us and we will try to make you as relaxed as possible.
There are unlikely to be any side effects from the injection; it does not make you sleepy or prevent you from driving a car.
Risks & Limitations
If you think you may be pregnant, or you are breastfeeding you must contact us before the test date.
You might get a bruise around the injection site.
Side effects are not common, but some people may get a skin rash, a headache, upset stomach, vertigo, or dizziness.
You will receive a small radiation dose of about 1 mSv. To put this in perspective, the average radiation dose received from natural background radiation in the UK is just below 3 mSv in one year.
After the scan
After the scan, you can eat as normal and should continue to drink plenty of fluids for the rest of the day. This will help to remove the radioactivity from your body. The radioactivity should completely disappear within 24 hours.
Please avoid prolonged close contact with children or pregnant women for the rest of the day. This is to avoid exposing babies and children to unnecessary radiation.
What happens to the results?
A report is sent to the hospital consultant who asked us to do the test. Allow at least 2 weeks for this.
Nuclear medicine staff are not allowed to give patients the result of any tests directly.
Can I bring a friend or relative?
Yes, but they will be asked to remain in the waiting room whilst you are being scanned.
Please, do not bring children or pregnant adults with you as there may be other patients in the department who might expose them to a small but unnecessary amount of radiation.
What if I cannot attend for my appointment?
If you have any questions about your examination or cannot make the appointment, please telephone the help line on 0161 206 4861.
This is a 24-hour answer phone but is usually manned Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
If you prefer, or are not able to telephone please contact us via email at radio.isotopes@nca.nhs.uk.
Please include your name, address, date of birth and hospital number (if known) on all correspondence.
Please help us to cut our waiting lists. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, call us as soon as you can so that we can use it to another patient.
I need an ambulance, how do I arrange this?
If you need an ambulance, contact:
0161 206 7014 for Salford residents
0800 032 3240 – for other areas
Please inform the Nuclear Medicine department if you are arriving by ambulance.
Interpreters
If you need a translator for your examination, please contact the Nuclear Medicine department.
Other sources of information
For further information regarding nuclear medicine examinations, visit the British Nuclear Medicine website:
http://www.bnms.org.uk/page/PatientsCarers
If you still have concerns or require further information about this test, please contact us at:
Nuclear Medicine Department
Salford Royal Hospital
Stott Lane
Salford M6 8HD
Telephone: 0161 206 4861
Date of Review: February 2025
Date of Next Review: February 2027
Ref No: PI_DP_1704 (Salford)