How is ingesting Nuclear medicine Safe?

Question

Next week I have to have a Thyroid Scan because my blood test showed that the numbers were somewhat high. I have t take nuclear medicine in a pill form and take some x-rays/pictures of the Thyroid.
My question of course is how is having radioactive material in your system safe when you arn't really allowed to be near radio active stuff?

Answer 1

I have had 5 large doses of the stuff where you have to stay in the hospital in isolation. The scan amount is exteremely small so you should not worry. If you have any questions feel free to contact me

Answer 2

I went through the same process many times because of thyroid cancer. It is a very low dose of radioactive Iodine (131) It will be almost completely absorbed by your thyroid and processed. While it is in your thyroid they will use a scanner to detect the glands themselves. You are exposed to radiation in higher doses almost every day just by going out in the sunlight, don't worry about it.

Best of luck, I hope everything turns out well for you.

Answer 3

There is no danger of radiation exposure. Only very small amounts of radioisotope are used. The total amount of radiation absorbed is often less than the dose received from ordinary x rays. The scanner or camera does not emit any radiation, but detects and records it from the patient.

Answer 4

The levels of radiation are very small and the breakdown is very quick. Its half life is about 6 hours basically meaning within 6 hours half will have been broken down, so usually its completly out of the sysytem within 24 hours.

Answer 5

Yes it is actually. I've had at least 4 scans and that's why they tell you to drink water afterwards. It's such a minimal amount that it won't hurt you. It's quite safe and an awesome diagnostic tool.