A thyroid ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of the neck. This procedure is commonly used to evaluate the size and structure of the gland, detect the presence of nodules or cysts, and determine if an abnormality is solid or fluid-filled. Understanding the steps involved can help set expectations and ensure a smooth appointment.
Eating and Drinking Guidelines
For a thyroid ultrasound, no special preparation is typically required, meaning you can generally eat and drink as you normally would before the exam. Unlike abdominal ultrasounds, the thyroid gland is a superficial structure, positioned just below the skin in the neck. Food and liquids in the stomach do not interfere with the sound waves needed to visualize the thyroid gland and surrounding neck tissues.
You can usually take all of your regular medications, including thyroid hormone replacement drugs, with a small amount of water on the day of the procedure. This preparation advice specifically applies to the ultrasound itself. If you are also having blood tests, be aware that certain thyroid blood tests may have separate instructions regarding the timing of medication intake.
Always confirm the preparation details directly with the imaging center or the healthcare provider who ordered the test. While a “no special diet” rule is standard, confirming this detail prevents any possibility of needing to reschedule the procedure. Following the facility’s exact guidance is the best way to ensure accurate and timely results.
Other Essential Preparation Steps
While there are minimal dietary restrictions, certain non-dietary steps are helpful to prepare for the thyroid ultrasound. The procedure requires the sonographer to have clear, unobstructed access to your neck area.
Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, such as a shirt with a wide or open neck, is recommended to allow for easy maneuverability of the ultrasound probe. It is best to avoid clothing items that cover the neck, such as turtlenecks, collared shirts, or scarves, as these would need to be removed or adjusted. You should also remove all jewelry from the neck area, including necklaces and any neck piercings, before the scan begins.
Arriving at the appointment with relevant prior medical records, such as previous thyroid function blood test results or reports from earlier imaging, can also be beneficial. This information provides context to the sonographer or radiologist reviewing the images. The total time spent at the facility, including check-in, may range from 60 to 90 minutes, even though the scan itself is much shorter.
What Happens During the Ultrasound
Once you are checked in, the sonographer will bring you into the exam room and ask you to lie on your back on the examination table. To achieve the best view of the thyroid gland, you will be positioned with your head tilted slightly back, often with a cushion placed under your shoulders to gently extend the area. This positioning helps to stretch the skin and expose the front of the throat.
A small amount of warm, water-based gel is then applied directly to your neck over the area of the thyroid gland. This gel eliminates air pockets between the skin and the transducer, allowing the sound waves to travel effectively and create clear images.
The sonographer will press a small, handheld device called a transducer against the gel-covered skin and move it around to capture images from different angles. The transducer emits sound waves that bounce off the structures within your neck, and the machine translates the returning echoes into a visual image on a monitor. This procedure is generally painless, though you may feel slight pressure as the transducer is moved across the skin. The actual imaging time is brief, typically lasting about 20 to 30 minutes, after which the gel is simply wiped away and you can resume your normal activities immediately.