a normal/ increased uptake on a radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan?
A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) scan is a nuclear medicine test used to evaluate the function of the thyroid gland. It involves administering a small amount of radioactive iodine to the patient and measuring the amount of iodine taken up by the thyroid gland. The results of the RAIU scan can help identify various thyroid conditions.
In a normal RAIU scan, the thyroid gland takes up and retains a sufficient amount of radioactive iodine. This indicates that the thyroid is functioning properly in terms of iodine uptake and hormone production. Normal uptake values typically range from 10% to 30% within a certain time frame after administration of the radioactive iodine.
On the other hand, an increased uptake on an RAIU scan suggests excessive thyroid function or hyperthyroidism. Conditions such as Graves’ disease, toxic multinodular goiter, or toxic adenoma can cause the thyroid gland to be overactive, leading to increased iodine uptake and hormone production. In these cases, the RAIU scan will show a higher-than-normal percentage of iodine uptake by the thyroid gland.
It’s important to note that interpretation of RAIU scan results should be done by a healthcare professional, typically an endocrinologist or nuclear medicine specialist, who will consider the patient’s clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests to make an accurate diagnosis.