Stimulated Thyroglobulin And Whole Body Iodine Scan - Thyroid Hormonal Withdrawal

To further evaluate your thyroid condition, your doctor has requested a blood test that requires you to stop taking your thyroid hormone replacement (thyroxine) for 21 days. This stimulates the thyroid cells to produce thyroglobulin, a protein produced by thyroid cells, so that it can be detected in the blood test.

If in addition to the thyroglobulin test, your doctor has requested a whole body iodine scan (WBIS - a scan to detect thyroid tissue). For this test, you will need to do the following:

• Stop taking thyroxine on day 1
• Adhere to a low-iodine diet for 7-10 days before the test (see attached sheet)
• Have a blood test on day 21. A pregnancy test is required for females of child-bearing age.
• Receive an oral dose of radioactive iodine on day 22
• The day of the scan will depend on the type and dose of radioiodine used. 

The table below outlines the schedule for the test. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about this test.