What is a Parathyroid Scan?

A Parathyroid Scan helps check if your parathyroid glands are overactive. These four small glands sit behind your thyroid and help control calcium in the body. If your blood test shows high calcium and PTH (parathyroid hormone) levels, your doctor may suggest this scan. It shows which gland is overworking and helps plan any surgery if needed.

Why You Might Need This Scan

• High calcium levels in your blood
• High PTH levels
• Weak bones or kidney stones
• Fatigue or body aches
• Before parathyroid surgery

How the Scan Works

A small amount of a safe radioactive tracer is injected into your vein. This tracer collects in your parathyroid glands. A special camera then takes pictures at different times to see how your glands are working. It is safe, painless, and gives clear images of any overactive gland.

Before the Scan – Preparation

• No fasting needed – you can eat and drink as usual
• Continue regular medicines unless your doctor says otherwise
• Avoid thyroid-related medications (if advised)
• Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Remove all jewellery around your neck
• Wear simple, comfortable clothes (avoid metal zips or buttons)

What to Bring

• Doctor’s prescription or referral
• Recent Calcium and PTH blood test reports
• Any neck or thyroid scan reports (ultrasound, CT, or MRI)
• A list of your current medicines
• Water bottle to stay hydrated
• Something to read or do while waiting

What Happens During the Scan

• Arrival & Registration – Arrive 15 minutes early
• Tracer Injection – A small injection in your arm
• First Scan – Done 15–30 minutes after injection
• Waiting Period – About 2–3 hours
• Final Scan – 30–45 minutes of imaging
• You’ll lie still while the camera takes pictures of your neck and chest

The total time at the center is about 3 to 4 hours. You may rest or read while waiting between scans.

After the Scan – What You Should Know

• You can eat, drink, and take your medicines as usual
• Stay away from young children and pregnant women for the rest of the day
• Drink plenty of water to flush the tracer
• The tracer leaves your body through urine within 10–12 hours
• You can go home after a short observation

Your scan report will be sent to your doctor. They will guide you on the next steps.

Simple Facts About the Scan

• It’s safe and painless
• Radiation used is minimal and harmless
• Very useful before surgery
• No side effects for most people
• Gives clear results to your doctor