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Thyroid Scan

This scan is used primarily to evaluate the way your thyroid gland functions. It looks at the ability of your thyroid gland to take up the radiotracer (radiopharmaceutical), that is injected into a vein in your arm. Images from this test can be used to diagnose and assess conditions such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), lumps, nodules or other growths on the thyroid, inflammation or swelling of the thyroid, goiter, and thyroid cancer.

HOW DO I PREPARE FOR MY EXAM?

  • Please notify your technologist if there is a chance you may be pregnant, or if you are nursing. If you are pregnant, the exam will need to be postponed. If you are uncertain, a blood test will be required to confirm you are not pregnant prior to starting the exam. This may delay or postpone your appointment if not obtained in advance. If you are nursing, you will be given further instructions regarding breastfeeding.
  • Please make sure you have NOT received injections for CT, X-ray, or angiograms within one month prior to your test.
  • Stop taking all thyroid medications and all multivitamins and/or supplements containing iodine two weeks prior to your appointment. See this list of medications that you need stop taking prior to this study. Please consult with your doctor prior to stopping.
  • Please let us know if you are taking an anti-arrhythmic drug called Amiodarone.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to allow enough time to check in with reception and fill out necessary paperwork.
  • Please let your technologist know if you are claustrophobic prior to the start of the exam.
  • Bring photo identification, your provincial health card, and your requisition.
  • Please do not bring children who require supervision.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY EXAM?

  • You will be given a radiopharmaceutical, which is injected into a vein in your arm.
  • After 5-10 minutes, you will be asked to lie on your back on the imaging bed and the gamma camera will be placed over the thyroid. The camera will take several images of your thyroid.
  • During the imaging, please hold as still as you can. Movement can blur the images and make them more difficult to interpret.
  • The scan is painless and you will be able to talk to your technologist throughout the procedure.

POST-EXAM INSTRUCTIONS

The radiopharmaceutical is excreted from the body through your urine. Keeping hydrated and voiding frequently will help eliminate it from your body.

WHEN WILL I GET MY RESULTS?

We do our best to have the specialized nuclear medicine physician interpret the data and forward the results to your doctor by the next business day. Please consult with your doctor regarding your results and any follow up exams or questions.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

This exam is covered under your Alberta Health Care Plan. It is not currently offered at our Saskatchewan clinics.

PLEASE NOTE:

Please bring the following to your appointment: a valid government-issued ID, your provincial health card, and your exam requisition (if you have received one).

FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please ensure that you bring your requisition with you to your appointment.

DURATION

30-45 minutes

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Online Appointment Request

What We Do

At the heart of everything we do is a belief that every image tells a story—and every story deserves care.

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we provide state-of-the-art medical imaging that helps patients and physicians get the clarity they need to make informed decisions about health. From routine check-ups to complex diagnoses, our role is to deliver answers with compassion and accuracy.

We offer a full spectrum of imaging services, including:

  • MRI, CT, and X-Ray for advanced diagnostic insight

  • Ultrasound and Mammography for preventative and women’s health

  • Nuclear Medicine, Bone Density, and Cardiac Imaging for specialized care

  • Pain Management and Interventional Procedures to improve quality of life

But our work extends beyond exams and equipment. As the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada, we connect urban, rural, and remote communities with expert radiology services—ensuring access to care when and where it’s needed most.

We also partner with local organizations, sports teams, and community groups to keep people healthy and active. From professional athletes to families booking their first screening, our commitment is the same: timely results, advanced technology, and compassionate care.

Who We Are.

To improve lives with clarity, compassion, and care—one focused image at a time.

But numbers only tell part of the story. What truly defines us is our culture of compassion. We’re a team of caregivers, innovators, and problem-solvers who share a commitment to excellence. Whether supporting frontline care, developing new technology workflows, or guiding a patient through their appointment, we approach our work with empathy and integrity.

At Mayfair, you’re not just part of a company—you’re part of a community. Together, we’re shaping the future of health care, making advanced imaging accessible, and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow.

The Inside Story

WHO WE ARE. WHAT WE DO. Why we’re more than a workplace

At Mayfair Diagnostics, we’re caregivers, nurturers, creators and thought leaders—deeply rooted in a passion to help people. We deliver meaningful work, compassionate care, and an environment where every team member can thrive.

Key Points:

  • Founded on over a century of excellence in medical imaging.

  • Owned and operated by 50+ radiologists, supported by 400–640+ employees across clinical, technical, administrative, and support roles.

  • Operating 17 locations across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and beyond (14 in Calgary, plus Cochrane, Regina, Saskatoon).

  • Serving 600,000–700,000 patients annually, delivering over 90,000 radiological interpretations—the largest teleradiology provider in Western Canada.

Vision & Mission:

  • Vision: “A world in which every person has clarity about their health.”

  • Mission: “To improve people’s lives, one focused image and one caring, compassionate human touch at a time.”