Health Information
Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
Test Overview
A radioactive iodine
uptake (RAIU) test uses a
Reference radioactive tracer Opens New Window and a special probe to measure how
much tracer the
Reference thyroid gland Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window absorbs from the blood. The test can show how much tracer is
absorbed by the thyroid gland and if it is evenly spread in the gland. This
helps your doctor know if the thyroid gland is working properly. The
radioactive tracer commonly used in this test is iodine.
A radioactive iodine uptake test is done to find problems with how the thyroid gland works, such as Reference hyperthyroidism Opens New Window. An RAIU test may be done at the same time as a thyroid scan.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference May 31, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology |
|
© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
