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A nuclear medicine thyroid scan shows how your thyroid gland is working. Learn how it's done, which medications may need pausing, and how Medicare applies.
Also called: thyroid uptake scan, thyroid nuclear scan, technetium thyroid scan, thyroid scintigraphy
Find a clinic for your thyroid scan
15 clinics offer bulk billing for nuclear medicine — eligibility varies
Where to get a thyroid scan
15 clinics across Melbourne and Victoria on Radly list thyroid scan among their services.
Clinics for a thyroid scan on Radly
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What is a thyroid scan?
A thyroid scan uses a small amount of radioactive tracer to show how active different parts of the thyroid gland are. It's a test of function, so it complements a thyroid ultrasound, which shows structure.
The tracer is usually injected into a vein. After a short wait, you lie on your back with your neck under a camera for a few minutes while pictures are taken. It's often used to work out the cause of an overactive thyroid.
Why your doctor might request a thyroid scan
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- Working out whether a thyroid nodule is overactive
- Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis)
- Planning some thyroid treatments
Thyroid scan: preparation, referral & Medicare
Preparing for your thyroid scan
- Tell the clinic about thyroid medications — some may need to be paused, but only on your doctor's advice
- Let the clinic know if you've recently had a CT scan with iodine contrast, as it can affect the result
- Avoid iodine supplements or kelp if instructed
- Tell staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
How long it takes: About 30–60 minutes
Referral, Medicare & bulk billing
A thyroid scan needs a referral, which a GP or specialist can provide. With a valid referral it attracts a Medicare rebate, and some clinics bulk bill nuclear medicine — it varies by clinic. The clinic will confirm billing and any medication instructions. Booking through Radly sends a request, and the clinic confirms the time with you.
How it works
Get your referral
Most scans need a referral from your GP, specialist, or other health practitioner.
Compare clinics
Find clinics near you for your thyroid scan and compare bulk billing, reviews, and location.
Send your request
Share your preferred timing and send the clinic your details and referral when available.
Clinic confirms
The clinic reviews your request and confirms your appointment and any preparation needed.
If the clinic hasn’t acknowledged your request after 24 hours, Radly will follow up. We check in by SMS during daytime hours where SMS is available and you haven’t opted out. Reply N if you haven’t been contacted and our team will follow up. Acknowledgment does not mean an appointment is booked.
Thyroid scan FAQs
Do I need to stop my thyroid medication?
Sometimes. Some medications affect the result. Check with your doctor and the clinic before stopping anything.
What's the difference between a thyroid scan and a thyroid ultrasound?
An ultrasound shows the shape and any nodules. A nuclear thyroid scan shows how active the gland is.
Can I have a thyroid scan while breastfeeding?
Tell the clinic first. You may need to pause breastfeeding for a time, depending on the tracer used.
How do I book a thyroid scan online?
Choose a clinic on Radly, select Nuclear Medicine as your scan, add your preferred timing and attach your referral, then send your booking request. The clinic contacts you to confirm the appointment and any preparation.
How soon can I get a thyroid scan?
Appointments for nuclear medicine are usually within 1–2 weeks, depending on the clinic and the exam. You can send a request on Radly at any time, and the clinic replies with its next available time.
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