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Thyroid Scan

This scan is used primarily to evaluate the way your thyroid gland functions. It looks at the ability of your thyroid gland to take up the radiotracer (radiopharmaceutical), that is injected into a vein in your arm. Images from this test can be used to diagnose and assess conditions such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), lumps, nodules or other growths on the thyroid, inflammation or swelling of the thyroid, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please notify your technologist if there is a chance you may be pregnant, or if you are nursing. If you are pregnant, the exam will need to be postponed. If you are uncertain, a blood test will be required to confirm you are not pregnant prior to starting the exam. This may delay or postpone your appointment if not obtained in advance. If you are nursing, you will be given further instructions regarding breastfeeding.
  • Please make sure you have NOT received injections for CT, X-ray, or angiograms within one month prior to your test.
  • Stop taking all thyroid medications and all multivitamins and/or supplements containing iodine two weeks prior to your appointment. See this list of medications that you need stop taking prior to this study. Please consult with your doctor prior to stopping.
  • Please let us know if you are taking an anti-arrhythmic drug called Amiodarone.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception and fill out necessary paperwork.
  • Please let your technologist know if you are claustrophobic prior to the start of the exam.
  • Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You will be given a radiopharmaceutical, which is injected into a vein in your arm.
  • After 5-10 minutes, you will be asked to lie on your back on the imaging bed and the gamma camera will be placed over the thyroid. The camera will take several images of your thyroid.
  • During the imaging, please hold as still as you can. Movement can blur the images and make them more difficult to interpret.
  • The scan is painless and you will be able to talk to your technologist throughout the procedure.

POST-EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

The radiopharmaceutical is excreted from the body through your urine. Keeping hydrated and voiding frequently will help eliminate it from your body.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have the specialized nuclear medicine physician interpret the data and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

QUESTIONS?

DURATION

30-45 minutes

LOCATION

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Online Appointment Request

abdomen CT

If you are interested or have any questions, send us a message.

Computed tomography (CT) is an advanced imaging system that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce comprehensive images of your abdomen. CT scans give a much more detailed picture than regular X-rays and can identify many conditions that may escape detection on other imaging tests.

Your health care practitioners may order an abdomen CT scan to examine one of the following (or, for a more comprehensive exam, a combined abdomen/pelvis CT):

  • A cause of pain or swelling.

  • Lymph nodes or blood vessels.

  • The kidney or bladder.

  • The liver, pancreas, or spleen.

  • The small or large bowel.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

WITHOUT CONTRAST: If contrast is not used, you will need to fast for two hours prior to your appointment.
ORAL CONTRAST: If oral contrast is prescribed, you will need to fast for four hours prior to your appointment and arrive two hours prior to your exam, unless otherwise specified at the time of booking.
IV CONTRAST: If oral contrast and/or IV contrast is prescribed, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check-in with reception.
Bring photo identification and your provincial health card.
Please do not drink coffee, tea, or juice six hours prior to your exam.

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