Radioactive Iodine Uptake
Alternate Names : Iodine Uptake Test, RAIU
 See all Pictures & Images
Special Considerations
If performed with other tests such as thyroid scan and T3RU, this test can help to differentiate primary thyroid disorders (such as Graves' disease) from secondary disorders (such as tumors).
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.
|
