Parathyroid Scan

A parathyroid nuclear medicine scan provides your doctor with information about your parathyroid glands.

Exam preparation

A CDI representative will call you prior to your appointment to provide specific instructions, and review health and insurance information.
Please bring previous imaging study results (x-ray, MRI, CT, etc.) such as reports, films or CD-roms if available.
Notify a member of CDI’s staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to verify your registration and health information.

During the exam – what to expect

You will receive an I.V. in your arm or hand and the technologist will inject a small amount of a radioactive agent (this is not a dye or contrast and there are no side affects) through the IV.
The radioactive agent with concentrate in your thyroid and parathyroid glands.
You will lie down on a scanning table and a camera will collect images of your parathyroid for 10-30 minutes immediately following the injection and again at 3 hours after your injection.
While the images are being obtained, you must remain as still as possible.

After the exam – what to expect

A radiologist who specializes in a specific area of the body reviews your images (i.e., a body radiologist will review the images of your parathyroid).
The radiologist prepares a diagnostic report to share with your doctor.
Your doctor will consider this information in context of your overall care, and talk with you about the results.
Most of the radioactivity passes out of your body in 24 hours.

If you have additional questions about your appointment or our services, check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact your local CDI center.