Nuclear Medicine
Whole Body Scan
A Whole Body Scan (WBS) is a scan performed in nuclear
medicine. This scan is done to check for the return or spread
of thyroid cancer cells.
How do I Prepare for this Test?
• Prior to the scan, you will receive two injections of
Thyrogen (thyrotropin alfa) from a registered nurse in the
Endocrinology Department. Having Thyrogen in your body
enhances the sensitivity of the I123 Whole Body Scan and allows you
to stay on your thyroid hormone. Thyrogen is a protein similar to
natural TSH. These two injections will be given 24 hours
apart, on Monday and Tuesday of the week of your scan.
• On Wednesday, you will go to the Nuclear Medicine Department
and will be given a radiotracer of 1mCi I-123 sodium iodide to
swallow. You must not have anything to eat or drink for 4
hours prior to the capsule, and for 1 hour after the capsule is
given.
• On Thursday, you will return to the Nuclear Medicine
Department for your scan.
• You may be asked to avoid foods and medicines that contain
iodine for 10 days before the scan. The low iodine diet will reduce
your body's storage of iodine allowing any remaining thyroid cells
to absorb the iodine given to you before the procedure. You should
speak with your ordering physician regarding dietary
restrictions.
• Please notify the ordering physician if you have had other
x-rays or scans within a month of your I123 WBS. Other radiology
procedures may use iodine that could interfere with your
scan.
• You will be asked to go to the lab on Friday and have a
Thyroglobulin (Tg) drawn. Thyroglobulin is a protein that is found
in your blood and used to screen for the recurrence of thyroid
cancer.
What to Expect During the Whole Body
Scan?
• The technologist will position you on the table in Nuclear
Medicine.
• The scanning will begin and the technologist will give you
instructions throughout the scan.
Testing Time
• Please allow 2-3 hours in the Nuclear Medicine
Department
Risks of the Test
• Be sure to notify the nurse and technologist if there is any
chance you may be pregnant.
Following the Test
• There are no restrictions following this test. You may
return to your regular diet after the scan is complete.
Results of this Test
• Your primary care doctor and your endocrinologist will
receive the results in 24-48 hours. It is important to
discuss the results of your scan with your doctor. Please make a
follow up appointment with the ordering physician.
