RAIU
Medical abbreviation · Endocrinology & Diabetes
| Stands for | Radioactive iodine uptake |
|---|---|
| Categories | Medical |
RAIU stands for Radioactive iodine uptake, an endocrinology & diabetes abbreviation.
Nuclear medicine test measuring the percentage of an oral tracer dose of iodine (usually I-123) taken up by the thyroid after 4–6 and 24 hours, often combined with a scan. High uptake points to Graves' disease or toxic nodules, while low uptake suggests thyroiditis or excess iodine.
Example: RAIU 2 percent at 24 hours with tender gland: subacute thyroiditis, not Graves'.
Usage notes
The test distinguishes hyperthyroidism from overproduction versus leakage of stored hormone, which is treated very differently. Recent iodinated CT contrast or amiodarone can suppress uptake for weeks to months. Thyroid hormone medication must be stopped beforehand. Pronounced as letters.
Related abbreviations
More endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations
- PCOS – Polycystic ovary syndrome
- PHPT – Primary hyperparathyroidism
- PRL – Prolactin
- PTC – Papillary thyroid carcinoma
- PTH – Parathyroid hormone
- RAI – Radioactive iodine
- SIADH – Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion
- SMBG – Self-monitoring of blood glucose
- T1DM – Type 1 diabetes mellitus
- T2DM – Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- T3 – Triiodothyronine
- T4 – Thyroxine
See all 64 endocrinology & diabetes abbreviations →
This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.