How Long Does a Thyroid Ultrasound Take?
If you’re concerned about your thyroid gland and are considering a scan, you might have several questions, such as: “How should I prepare?” “Does it hurt?” “Will there be downtime afterward?” And importantly, “How long will it take?”
We’re here to assure you that a thyroid ultrasound is painless, takes basically no preparation, and can be done in as little as 15 minutes. For these miniscule tradeoffs, the benefits of a thyroid scan are enormous. A scan can provide you with early detection that can save your life or improve its quality or bring peace of mind that everything is as it should be.
Today, we’ll answer all your questions about thyroid scans at Preventative Diagnostic Center, including, “How long does a thyroid ultrasound take?”
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What Is a Thyroid Ultrasound? What Is It Used For?
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly shaped gland at the base of your neck. It produces hormones that help your body regulate things, such as your metabolism and heart rate.
A thyroid ultrasound is a diagnostic test using painless, harmless ultrasonic sound waves to look at the thyroid. You’ve probably seen ultrasonic photographs of fetuses in the womb in the past. The principle is the same, but the technician will be looking at your thyroid gland.
Thyroid ultrasounds are used to ensure your thyroid is working properly by looking at its size, shape, location, and if there are any abnormalities, such as lumps. If any abnormalities are found through the ultrasound scan, you can be referred for additional tests that can help determine any problems.
What To Expect During a Thyroid Ultrasound
A thyroid scan is quick, painless, and non-invasive.
When you come to the office, you’ll be shown to a private room where you’ll lay on your back on a comfortable medical table with your neck slightly extended. A technician will then gently rub your neck area with a clear, water-based gel. This helps the sonography wand do its job, as well as passing over your skin easily.
During the scan, the sonographer will pass the wand over your neck area, looking at the thyroid and tissue surrounding it through a monitor. They may periodically take screenshots of what they’re seeing for further review or confirmation that everything looks good.
And that’s it! There are no needles involved, no pain, no medications, or lengthy preparations.
How Long Does an Ultrasound on the Thyroid Take?
Your thyroid scan should take about 15 to 30 minutes. It may take shorter or longer, depending on the complexity of your case and your own particular anatomy. For most people, the scan goes very fast.
We also recommend an abdominal ultrasound at the same time and offer a thyroid/abdominal ultrasound bundle. In this case, the ultrasound technician will also look at the major organs in your abdominal cavity as well, including the liver, spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. This helps identify any abnormalities in these regions, including the potential for cancer.
If you choose to bundle these services, your appointment will not take much longer and can often be completed in under an hour, sometimes under a half an hour, and you will not need separate appointments.
How Should I Prepare?
There is almost no preparation necessary for a thyroid scan. You simply need to show up to the office. You might want to wear minimal jewelry and comfortable clothing as well. A shirt with a low neckline may be helpful. There is no need to fast, and you can continue taking medications as normal.
What the Scan Can Detect and Who Should Consider a Thyroid Ultrasound
People over 50 may want to have a thyroid ultrasound to ensure their bodies are working properly and cancer is absent. You may also need an ultrasound if you have had abnormal test results, notice a lump in your neck, or have a family history of thyroid disease. Many people seek out the scan as part of routine screening.
The scan can detect many abnormalities, including the potential for cancer. It can see lumps and cysts, check for inflammation, and tell if the thyroid is larger or smaller than normal. Because there is no risk to the scan, many patients elect to have one every few years or even every year.
Why Choose Preventative Diagnostic Center?
Preventative Diagnostic Center is the best place for health scans in the Las Vegas area. We offer private services, with the best technicians and radiologists, and the latest in imaging technology.
See our testimonials for how we have helped thousands of customers achieve peace of mind and early detection. For health scans and imaging in Las Vegas, think Preventative Diagnostic Center.