Thyroid and Parathyroid Scan Price and Centres in Mumbai [2024] | Upto 50% OFF

About Thyroid, and Parathyroid Scan

The thyroid gland is located in the neck that controls metabolism, a chemical process that regulates the rate at which the body converts food to energy (calories).

Thyroid Scan

The thyroid scan provides information about the structure and function of your thyroid. Your doctor will prescribe a thyroid scan if he/she suspects that you may have any of the following medical conditions –

• to evaluate the functioning of the thyroid gland
• help diagnose problems with the thyroid gland, i.e. an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism), cancer, or other growths
• to detect any abnormality, such as lumps (nodules) or inflammation
• if any nodule is discovered, then to assess the nature of the nodule in the gland
• to check whether thyroid cancer has spread beyond the thyroid gland
• to monitor the changes in the gland following medication use, surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy

A thyroid scan uses a tiny amount of radioactive material (tracer) to produce 2D and 3D images of the organs, in this case, the gland itself. The changes that take place are recorded in a sequential manner – generally in two sessions with a few minutes of internal in-between (some times 3 sessions are done, which is an additional delayed scan – however, this is done only if required). The changes are captured by a gamma camera that analyses the thyroid gland from three different angles.

Parathyroid Scan

The Parathyroid Scan is a diagnostic scan done to determine whether you have a malfunctioning parathyroid gland. A parathyroid scan is typically advised if you have high calcium and parathormone levels. And, this helps in assessing the precise location of the abnormal parathyroid gland and the treatment method or surgery.

Similar to the thyroid scan, a parathyroid scan also uses a gamma camera to capture the 2D and 3D images of the gland, and the scan is taken in two to three different sessions.

How Are The Thyroid and Parathyroid Tests Done?

• Initially, a radiotracer is pushed in the vein through the cannula. This minute amount of radiotracer helps determine the problem by highlighting the scanned area. The amount of dose given and the timing is noted.
• You will be asked to wait for 20-30 mins for the tracer to get absorbed by your body before the scan, for accurate imaging quality.
• Inside the gamma scan room, you will need to lay flat on a table for the scan with your head extended backward and a sponge under your shoulders, then high-count images are obtained for 10 mins after administration. 
• You will be monitored through a computer. Emission from the tracer is detected by the scanner and high-quality images are produced.

Session 2:

• After the first scan is completed, you will be given the second injection and will have to wait for up to 20 – 30 mins for the second scan to begin.

Session 3:

• After the second scan, there is a waiting period of 2 hours for the delayed images. After the stipulated time you will be taken for the scan and high-count images of the neck and chest are taken.
• You will then be kept under observation in case any additional delayed scan is required after the initial scan.

There is no record of any side-effect from the gamma camera as it doesn’t produce any radiation. It only detects the energy coming from the collection of radioactivity in your thyroid/parathyroid gland.

Are There Any Preparations Required Before The Tests?

• You should stop taking thyroid medicines 3 days in advance of the day of the test and also avoid cough syrups, lotions, medications (IV contrast for CT scan), and food items containing iodine.
• If you are allergic to anything, especially radioactive material – report them to the lab technician before the scan.
• Patients do not need to fast before the scan.
• If you have any previous medical records, it is advisable to carry them along to the lab.
• Report the lab 30 minutes prior to the scheduled time and you may be required to remain for at least 4 hours in the lab from the scheduled time.

Other than this there are no preparations required, however, if you are pregnant or expected to get pregnant, then it is advisable to consult with your doctor before the scan.

Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing metallic items such as watches, chains, pocket knives, etc before the scan procedure.