Thyroid Ultrasound in Toronto & the GTA
A quick, painless scan of the thyroid gland in your neck.
At a glance
- How long
- About 20 to 45 minutes depending on the exam
- How to prepare
- See the steps below
- Cost
- Covered by OHIP With a requisition. Without OHIP from $280
- Results
- 24 to 48 hours Report sent to your doctor
A thyroid ultrasound is a scan of the butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It uses sound waves to show the size and shape of the thyroid and any lumps, called nodules, inside it. It uses no radiation and no needles, and most people need no special preparation.
Your doctor or nurse practitioner orders it on a requisition. What the pictures mean for you is something they will go over with you once the report is ready.
Why your doctor might order it
- To look at a lump or swelling in the neck
- To check the size of the thyroid
- To follow thyroid nodules found on an earlier scan
- To look more closely after a physical exam or other tests
How to prepare
- No preparation is needed. You can eat, drink and take your medication as usual.
- Wear a top with an open neck, and leave necklaces at home.
What happens at your appointment
- Arrive at least 15 minutes early with your health card and your signed requisition.
- You lie on your back, sometimes with a small pillow under your shoulders so your head tilts back a little.
- The sonographer puts gel on your neck and moves a small probe over the skin. You may be asked to swallow.
- When it is done you wipe off the gel and carry on with your day.
- A radiologist reads your images. Your results are sent securely to your referring provider, who will review them with you.
How long: About 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the exam.
Cost and OHIP coverage
With a valid Ontario health card and a requisition, this exam is covered by OHIP. There is no charge for the exam, the report or your images.
Without OHIP, Bluewater's cash fee schedule lists a thyroid or neck ultrasound at $280, as of October 2026. The full list of self-pay prices is on our Insurance & Billing page.
Where to have it done
- 123 Edward Street 123 Edward Street, Suite 600, Toronto Book
- Eglinton Avenue East 150 Eglinton Avenue East, Suite 301, Toronto Book
- Etobicoke 3170 Lake Shore Blvd West, Suite 101, Etobicoke Book
- Keele & Ingram 2221 Keele Street, Suite 106, North York Book
- Lawrence & Dufferin 960 Lawrence Ave. West, Suite 203, North York Book
- Scarborough 1371 Neilson Road, Suite 309, Scarborough Book
- University Heights 1275 Finch Ave W, Suite 114, North York Book
- Woodbridge 4600 Highway 7 West, Unit LL30, Woodbridge Book
- Belleville 210 Dundas Street East, Suite 301, Belleville Book
- Port Hope 249 Ontario Street, Suite 110, Port Hope Book
Common questions
Do I need to fast for a thyroid ultrasound?
Usually not. A thyroid ultrasound normally needs no special preparation, so you can eat and drink as usual. If your provider gave you different instructions, follow theirs, or call 416-462-0064 to check.
Does a thyroid ultrasound hurt?
No. The sonographer puts gel on your neck and moves a small probe over the skin. You may feel light pressure, and you may be asked to swallow during the scan. There are no needles and no radiation.
What should I wear for a thyroid ultrasound?
Wear a top with an open neck so the sonographer can reach the front and sides of your neck easily. Leave necklaces and scarves at home if you can.
Is a thyroid ultrasound covered by OHIP?
Yes, with a valid Ontario health card and a requisition. Without OHIP, Bluewater's self-pay price for a thyroid or neck ultrasound is $280, as of October 2026.