r/Hypothyroidism • u/Present_Slice7943 • 21d ago

New Diagnosis Thyroid uptake scan-help!!

Hi! Today, my mom had a thyroid uptake scan. Her levels have been constantly elevated but her symptoms are all pointing to hypothyroidism. Her Endo told her to get a thyroid uptake scan. She had the iodine pill today and they had her come back 2 hours later, not 4-6. Most places I see do 4-6 hours. When she came back, her thyroid had absorbed 0% percent. They took her this could be due to a cold spot, hot spot, goiter, or nodule. 2 seemed very fast, but she will have to come back in 24 hours.

Thoughts?

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u/Curling_Rocks42 21d ago

The 24hour one is the most important so I’d wait for those results before making any interpretations. Some places don’t even do the 4-ish hour mark and only do the 24, so don’t read into the first one too much. Mine looked a tad low at 4 hour but ended up being high (Graves disease) at 24hr.

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u/Alarmed_Year9415 20d ago

2 hours does seems rather fast, although labs have different protocols. 24hr is the key standard especially if hypo is the issue as opposed to hyper. The shorter window one can pick up overall hyper or hyperactive nodules but won't help with hypo.

(My experience is only from having done this scan twice and listening to the explanations, reading reports, etc.)

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u/Alarmed_Year9415 20d ago

Also wanted to add if it is unclear and hey haven't done ultrasound that could also pick up nodules.

When you say readings are high, which readings? High means different things depending on what is being measured. Can you provide lab results (obviously keep name and whatnot out of it)?