Radioactive Iodine Uptake

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How is the Test Performed?

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 to the original dose of radioactivity and reported as a percent of the original dose.

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