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July 31, 2026Nuclear medicine is radiology that uses small amounts of radioactive material, called radiotracers, to examine how organs and tissues work. Doctors order these tests when they need information about function rather than just structure, and the images they produce can reveal activity that other imaging methods miss. A radiotracer is introduced into the body, and a special camera detects the signals it emits. Here is more information about nuclear medicine and its applications in diagnostic medicine:
What Is a Thyroid Uptake Scan?
A thyroid uptake scan is a nuclear medicine procedure that evaluates how the thyroid gland processes iodine. The thyroid uses iodine to produce hormones; the patient receives a small amount of radioactive iodine that the gland absorbs. A probe or camera then measures how much of the material the thyroid takes up. Here are some symptoms that may prompt a medical professional to prescribe a thyroid uptake scan:
- Unexplained weight changes, including significant gain or loss
- Persistent fatigue or unusual energy levels
- Swelling or lumps in the neck area
- Irregular or rapid heartbeat
- Difficulty tolerating cold or heat
- Hair thinning or excessive hair loss
- Trouble swallowing or a sensation of pressure in the throat
- Dry skin or unexplained skin changes
- Irregularities in menstrual cycles or fertility concerns
What Do the Results Mean?
The percentage of uptake tells a physician how active the gland is, and this measurement helps distinguish between different patterns of thyroid activity. The scan can show whether the entire gland is involved. It can also show the specific areas and their differences in iodine absorption.
Because the test tracks iodine directly, it provides information about thyroid function that structural imaging alone cannot supply. A physician reviews the uptake results alongside blood tests and other findings, and together these details form a clearer picture of how the gland is performing. Based on the results of a thyroid uptake scan, a doctor may prescribe treatments such as:
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Radioactive iodine
- Medications
What Are Other Procedures?
Beyond thyroid uptake scans, nuclear medicine encompasses several other diagnostic procedures. A bone scan evaluates skeletal abnormalities by tracking a radiotracer to areas of bone repair or change, potentially detecting fractures and infections before they appear on standard X-rays. Gastric emptying studies measure how quickly food moves from the stomach into the small intestine, helping physicians investigate symptoms such as nausea, bloating, or early fullness. A PET scan examines metabolic activity throughout the body, identifying areas of unusual cell activity; PET scans are frequently combined with computed tomography to provide both structural and functional information, giving physicians a more complete picture of how the body is working.
Learn More About Nuclear Medicine
Nuclear medicine gives physicians a way to study how organs and tissues function through the use of radiotracers and cameras. A thyroid uptake scan focuses specifically on how the thyroid gland absorbs iodine. These diagnostic tests provide detailed findings, and that information can help your primary care doctor recommend or prescribe effective treatments. To learn more about radiology and diagnostic testing, consult a radiologist near you.
