radiojodskintigrafi

Radiojodskintigrafi, also known as radioactive iodine uptake scan or thyroid scan, is a nuclear medicine imaging procedure used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. This diagnostic test involves administering a small, safe amount of radioactive iodine (I-131 or I-123) to the patient, typically orally. The thyroid gland, which is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, naturally absorbs iodine from the bloodstream.

After the radioactive iodine is administered, the patient waits for a specific period, usually a few hours or up to 24 hours, allowing the thyroid to accumulate the radioisotope. A special camera, called a gamma camera, is then used to detect the radiation emitted by the iodine within the thyroid. The camera captures images that show how much radioactive iodine has been taken up by the thyroid and where it is located.

The images produced by radiojodskintigrafi provide valuable information about thyroid function and structure. Areas of the thyroid that take up more radioactive iodine are considered "hot spots" and may indicate overactive thyroid tissue, such as in Graves' disease or toxic nodules. Conversely, areas that take up less iodine, known as "cold spots," might suggest non-functioning nodules or cysts, and in rare cases, could be associated with thyroid cancer. This test helps physicians diagnose and monitor various thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. The radiation dose from radiojodskintigrafi is considered very low and safe.