Isotope study

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Thyroid enlargement - scintiscan

Scintillation; Radionuclide organ imaging; Radioisotope; Radioactive uptake; PET scan; Nuclear radiography; Nuclear medicine scan

Generally, the energy of emitted radiation in nuclear radiography is similar to that of x-rays used in plain films and CT scans. There is potential for cell damage and mutations in egg or sperm cells.

The target organs of the isotope in the examination may receive the majority of the radiation dose, however, the amounts used are strictly controlled and regulated to use the least amount necessary for the purpose of imaging.

The radiation doses used for TREATMENT of certain disorders (for instance, iodine for thyroid disease) are many times greater and will require additional instructions to protect others during treatment.

For radiation, the greatest concern is with pregnant or nursing women. Infants and fetuses are more sensitive to the effects of radiation because they are still undergoing organ development.

Higher doses of radiation and repeated exposures to radiation increase the risk. Radioactive materials decay (release energy and transform into non-radioactive atoms) at specific rates as the body continuously removes them. The body will filter this radiation through the lungs, kidneys, or liver, depending on the compound used. Thus, all radioisotope activity eventually stops, usually within a few days.

Risks related to injections and allergic reactions to the radioisotope exist, but are rare.

See the specific type of scan for other information.

The benefits of conducting an isotope study to diagnose a potentially serious condition usually outweigh concerns about radiation or other side effects.

Review Date: 08/03/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Gross, M.D., Department of Radiology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.