Thyroid And Parathyroid Ultrasound

Test Overview

A thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound is a type of imaging test. It checks the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands. A thyroid ultrasound can help measure the size and shape of the thyroid gland. But it can't tell how well the thyroid gland is working. Ultrasound also may be used to check the four parathyroid glands that lie behind or next to the thyroid.

The thyroid gland makes a hormone called thyroxine. This hormone controls how fast the body converts food into energy (metabolism). Parathyroid hormone (PTH) is made by the parathyroid glands. It controls the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.

During a thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound, a small handheld device called a transducer is passed back and forth over the neck. This makes a picture of the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands.