Iodine-131 bioaccumulation in regions where radioiodine has sufficiently contaminatated the environment. Iodine-131 is used for unsealed source radiotherapy in nuclear medicine to treat several conditions. It can also be detected by gamma cameras for diagnostic imaging, however it is rarely administered for diagnostic purposes only, imaging will normally be done following a therapeutic dose. Use of the I as iodide salt exploits the mechanism of absorption of iodine by the normal cells of the thyroid gland. Major uses of I include the treatment of thyrotoxicosis (hyperthyroidism) due to Graves' disease, and sometimes hyperactive thyroid nodules (abnormally active thyroid tissue that is
Lugol's iodine 126.5 mg/mL. The 15% solution thus has a total iodine content of 6.32 mg per drop of 0.05 mL; the 2% solution has 0.84 mg total iodine content per drop. Potassium iodide renders the elementary iodine soluble in water through the formation of the triiodide () ion. It is not to be confused with tincture of iodine solutions, which consist of elemental iodine, and iodide salts dissolved in water and alcohol. Lugol's solution contains no alcohol. Other names for Lugol's solution are (iodine-potassium iodide); Markodine, Strong solution (Systemic); and Aqueous Iodine Solution BP. In the United Kingdom the NHS pays