Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test

Iodine Uptake Test, Radioactive

Test Overview

A radioactive iodine uptake (RAIU) test uses a radioactive tracer and a special probe to measure how much tracer the thyroid gland absorbs from the blood. The test can show how much tracer is absorbed by the thyroid gland and if it is evenly spread in the gland. This helps your doctor know if the thyroid gland is working properly. The radioactive tracer commonly used in this test is iodine.

A radioactive iodine uptake test is done to find problems with how the thyroid gland works, such as hyperthyroidism. An RAIU test may be done at the same time as a thyroid scan.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated September 15, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine David C.W. Lau, MD, PhD, FRCPC - Endocrinology & Metabolism
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