Radioactive iodine uptake

• Illustrations
• Alternative names
• Definition
• How the test is performed
• How to prepare for the test
• How the test will feel

• Why the test is performed
• Normal Values
• What abnormal results mean
• What the risks are
• Special considerations

Alternative names    Return to top

Definition    Return to top

Radioactive Iodine Uptake, or RAIU, is a test of thyroid function. The amount of orally ingested radioactive iodine that accumulates in the thyroid gland (see also "thyroid scan") is measured.

How the test is performed    Return to top

RAIU is a type of nuclear test of the thyroid that measures how much radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland in a given time period. You are asked to ingest radioactive iodine (I-123 or I-131) in liquid or capsule form. After a time (usually 6 and 24-hours later), you must return to have the radioactivity measured.

A probe (gamma probe) is placed over the thyroid gland in the neck to measure the amount of radioactivity in the thyroid gland. This amount of radioactivity is compared with the original dose of radioactivity and reported as a percent of the original dose.

How to prepare for the test    Return to top

Fast for 8 hours before the test.

Consult with the health care provider if you have a history of factors that may affect the test (see "special considerations"). The health care provider may restrict iodine and thyroid (or anti-thyroid) medications for 1 week before the test.

How the test will feel    Return to top

There is no discomfort. You can eat beginning about 1 to 2 hours after ingesting the radioactive iodine, and you can resume a normal diet when the test is finished. For the scanning, you are asked to lie on a table while the scanner is placed over the neck. The scan takes about 30 minutes.

Why the test is performed    Return to top

This test is performed to evaluate thyroid function, particularly when blood tests of thyroid function (for example, T3 or T4 levels) have abnormal results.

Normal Values    Return to top

• 6 hours: 3 to 16%
• 24-hours: 8 to 25%

What abnormal results mean    Return to top

Increased (greater than 35% at 24-hours is considered elevated):

• hyperthyroidism
• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (early)
• goiter

Decreased:

• hypothyroidism
• subacute thyroiditis
• iodine overload (excessive iodine ingestion)

See also "special considerations".

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• colloid nodular goiter
• Graves' disease
• painless (silent) thyroiditis
• toxic nodular goiter

What the risks are    Return to top

The risk is minimal. The amount of radioactivity is very small and there have been no documented side effects. However, as with any radiation exposure, this test is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

The amount of iodine used is less than a normal dietary iodine intake. A history of iodine (contrast dye) allergy does not necessarily contraindicate testing, although history of allergy to dietary iodine (or shellfish) may contraindicate this test.

Special considerations    Return to top

The radioactive iodine is excreted in the urine. However, the amount of radioactivity is minute, so special precautions may or may not be advised for 24 to 48 hours (often this simply includes flushing twice after urinating). Consult the health care provider or the radiology/nuclear medicine department performing the scan.

Interfering factors:

• iodine-deficient diet
• iodine-excessive diet
• recent (within the past two weeks) radiologic procedures using iodine-based contrast
• diarrhea (may decrease absorption of the radioactive iodine)

Drugs that increase results include barbiturates, estrogen, lithium, phenothiazines, and thyroid stimulating hormone.

Drugs that decrease results include ACTH, antihistamines, corticosteroids, Lugol's solution, nitrates, SSKI (saturated solution of potassium iodide), thyroid drugs, anti-thyroid drugs, tolbutamide.