Childen's Hospital Boston 300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
(617) 355-6000
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My Child Has:
Thyroid Scintigraphy / Thyroid Scan
Programs that perform this procedure
Nuclear Medicine/PET Division  
What is a Thyroid Scintigraphy?
image of thyroid scan
A Thyroid Scintigraphy is a diagnostic procedure that produces functional images of the thyroid gland. It can help your physician determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland.
Why would my doctor request a Thyroid Scan?
A Thyroid Scintigraphy can help assess:

  • Neck masses
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Ectopic thyroid
  • Thyroid malignancy
  • Graves' disease
  • Thyroglossal duct cyst
  • Benign diffuse goiter
  • Thyroiditis
  • Radiation therapy planning
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    How to prepare for a Thyroid Scan?
    The referring physician may ask that you/your child stop certain medications prior to having a thyroid scan. You/your child cannot have anything to eat or drink one hour prior to administration of the radiopharmaceutical and for 30 minutes afterward.
    How is a Thyroid Scintigraphy performed?
    You will be greeted by one of our technologists who will explain to you/your child what will happen during the examination. You/your child will be asked to swallow a capsule or liquid containing a radiopharmaceutical called Iodine-123. Once the administration is complete you are free to leave the department. The technologist will give you/your child an exact time to return for the actual imaging. Typically, imaging takes place at 4 and 24 hours after radiopharmaceutical administration. When you return you/your child will be asked to void and imaging will begin. The camera, which looks like a large upside down ice cream cone, comes very close to the patient's neck. Three images of the thyroid gland are taken, each approximately 12-20 minutes in length. It is important that you/your child remain as still as possible during imaging to obtain the best quality images.
    What can be expected during the procedure?
    Although the camera may appear large and intimidating, it does not touch you/your child.
    What happens after the study?
    Once the study is complete, it will be evaluated for quality. If there was too much motion, the study may need to be repeated. If there was no motion, you/your child will be free to leave and resume normal activity.
    How are the results of the study obtained?
    The images will be processed and then the nuclear medicine physician will evaluate and interpret the study and promptly inform you/your child's referring physician of the results.
    How can additional information be obtained?
    For more information about Nuclear Medicine/PET, please contact us at:

    Division of Nuclear Medicine/PET
    Children's Hospital Boston
    300 Longwood Avenue, Pavilion 2
    Boston, MA 02115
    Main Number: 617-355-7010
    Fax Number: 617-730-0623
    Business hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    How is an appointment scheduled?
    To schedule an appointment please contact your referring physician as their office must schedule it for you. If you currently have an appointment and need to reschedule or are unable to make the appointment, please call us at least 48 hours in advance at 617-355-7010.
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    which can only be given to you by your personal health care professional.
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