Fen8
Hi I just had both. the uptake is a tiny dose compared to the RAI.
Yell if you have anymore questions
RAIU uses a different type of radioactive iodine. It is not designed to kill thyroid cells and is reasonably safe to do the uptake, although I don't think you would want to have one done every week.
RAI 131 is used to kill thyroid tissue.
RAI 121 is used for uptakes scans, I think, although that may be wrong. At any rate, it is two different forms of radioactive iodine.
For an uptake scan, a very small amount (tracer dose) of either 131I or 123I is used. The amount is usually between 2 and 4mCi. For treatment, the standard is to use 131I usually in a dose anywhere from 50 to 200mCi depending on risk, metastases, etc...
I had a total ablation of my thyroid with 12 microcurries of 131I, so I would be very upset if they were giving me a dose of 4mCi for a scan. They give 7mCi to Grave's patients to "wound" the thyroid sometimes.
The 123I is supposed to be safer.
So they say.
It is as AR-10 says.
I had the uptake scan and I 123 was used with pertechium (tracer). This iodine doesnt kill or harm the thyroid.
I was given it outside the room then taken in to do the scan. All up it took about 40 minutes.
The RAI is I 131 and does kill the thyroid.
I am scheduled tomorrow for RAI (friday) and am to be given 8mCi to be given by capsule.
The reason for the low dose is drug sensitivity and thyroid cancer to later be removed in 3 months time via keyhole surgery.
Maybe Australia do things differently.
I agree with AR:
I had the uptake scan and I 123 was used with pertechium (tracer). This iodine doesnt kill or harm the thyroid. Its only given to get information on the thryoid.
I was given it outside the room then taken into another room to do the scan. All up it took about 60 minutes.
And yes, as they say "its safe".
Take care,
Terri