I131 Whole Body Scan

Home Services Nuclear Medicine I131 Whole Body Scan
This form of test allows detecting residual functioning thyroid tissue and thyroid cancer. The tracer used for this method is radioactive iodine which will be presented in the form of a capsule or liquid after ingestion the activity concentrates specifically in the thyroid tissue. For additional information, kindly refer to I131 treatment.

Fasting: Fasting should be carried on for at least 2 hours prior and 1 hour later to ingesting the radioactive iodine.

Medication Contradiction: A list of medications should be provided as they may interfere with the examination. The following medications should be stopped at least 5 days prior to the exam:
  • Thyroid Hormones: Synthroid (Levothyroxine), desiccated thyroid (thyroid extract – armour thyroid, nature-thyroid, westhyroid) for 4 weeks prior to the test
  • Thyroid Medications: Liothyronine (Cytomel), Methimazole (Tapazole), PTU for 1 week prior to the test
  • IV X-Ray Contrast for 4 weeks prior to the test
  • Myelogram for 1 week prior to the test
  • Salpingography for 4 weeks prior to the test
  • Upon the patient’s cardiologist approval Amiodarone (Cordarone) for 4 weeks prior to the test
  • Dietary Supplements (fish oil, kelp, Boost, Ensure) 1 week prior to the test
  • Shellfish, 1 week prior to the test
  • Multivitamins, 1 week prior to the test
  • Iodine Products (topical ointments, suppositories) 4 weeks prior to the test
  • Potassium Iodide (SSKI, Lugol’s solution) 4 weeks prior to the test

Tracer administration: The radiopharmaceutical tracer will be provided in the form of a capsule to be ingested.

Examination duration: The imaging process will take up 30-60 minutes. Imaging will be conducted 48 minutes after ingesting the capsule.

Additional related examinations: Additional imaging maybe required depending on the examination outcome.