Iodine tests can detect starch in foods, cervical cancer cells, and thyroid health. Starch and patch tests can be done at home, while medical professionals should perform tests for cervical cancer, urine iodine, and radioactive iodine absorption. Iodine deficiency causes symptoms similar to depression and stress. The iodine urine test and radioactive iodine uptake test can monitor thyroid health and diagnose hyperthyroid conditions.
Iodine is essential for a healthy diet and also regulates the production of thyroid hormones. Several types of iodine tests can detect the presence of starch in common foods, look for cervical cancer cells, and test thyroid health. Starch and patch tests can be done at home, while tests for cervical cancer, urine iodine, and radioactive iodine absorption should be done by medical professionals.
The iodine starch test detects starches in tubers and grains. This iodine test is performed by dropping an iodine solution directly onto the flesh of a potato or grain products, such as bread or crackers. If there is starch, the solution will turn blue-black. If there is no starch, the solution will retain its original orange or yellow color.
Iodine deficiency is a medical condition that can cause lack of energy, fatigue, nervousness and listlessness and can be overlooked by medical professionals because it mirrors symptoms of depression and stress. Iodine patch testing can be done at home to detect iodine deficiency. A 3 cm (7.62 in) square spot of a tincture of iodine is painted on the belly or upper thigh. Over a 24-hour period, the patch is then checked to see how long it takes for it to fade. If the patch has faded in less than 24 hours, this indicates iodine deficiency.
Cervical cancer cells can also be detected by an iodine test. If abnormalities are found on a routine pap smear, your doctor may recommend a colposcopy, also known as a Schiller test. In this test, an iodine solution is applied to the cervix and cervical canal. If the tissue is healthy, it turns brown; if there is unhealthy tissue, it will remain white or yellow. The doctor will then order a biopsy to rule out cancer.
Monitoring thyroid health and detecting thyroid disease can also be done by an iodine test. In the iodine urine test, the patient collects a urine sample in the morning, which is used as a control. He will then take 50 milligrams of iodine by mouth and urine will be collected periodically over the next 24 hours. If your iodine levels are good, over 90% of the iodine will be in your urine.
The radioactive iodine uptake test is used to diagnose and prescribe treatments for hyperthyroid conditions. The patient ingests a dose of radioactive iodine in capsule or liquid form. Four to six hours later, an x-ray of the thyroid is taken, which is done again 24 hours later. Low iodine uptake indicates hyperthyroidism caused by inflammation or too much thyroid hormone replacement medication, and high iodine uptake indicates Graves’ or Hashimoto’s disease. Irregular absorption usually indicates hyperthyroidism caused by a goiter or tumor.
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