Thyroid Uptake Probe/Multichannel Analyzer
This instrument is used for external detection of small amounts of radioactivity that have been administered to the patient. Most commonly a radioisotope of iodine, either I-131 or I-123, is used to test the function of the thyroid gland. The cylindrical detector (left) is positioned at the base of the throat. Some of the photon emissions from the radioactive iodine are captured in the detector and the number of emissions is diplayed on the screen at the right. Other types of patient exams may be performed on this instrument as well as counting biological specimens such as blood or urine for the presence of radioactivity for diagnostic studies.
The technologist is responsible for the proper quality control and use of this instrument used for patient studies.
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revised: 4/28/04