Health Encyclopedia

Liver scan

Definition

A liver scan uses a radioactive material to help determine how well the liver or spleen is working.

Alternative Names

Technetium scan; Liver technetium sulfur colloid scan; Liver-spleen radionuclide scan; Nuclear scan - technetium; Nuclear scan - liver or spleen

How the test is performed

The health care provider will inject a radioactive material called a radioisotope into one of your veins. After the liver has soaked up the material, you will be asked to lie on a table under the scanner.

The scanner can tell where the radioactive material has gathered in the body. Images are displayed on a computer. You may be asked to remain still, hold your breath for short period of time, or to change positions during the scan.

How to prepare for the test

You must sign an informed consent form. Remove jewelry, dentures, and other metals because they can interfere with the scanner's functions.

You may need to wear a hospital gown.

How the test will feel

When the radioisotope is injected, there will be a sharp prick or stinging from the needle. After the injection, there is no pain. The major discomfort is from the need to lie still during the scan. If this is difficult, you may be given a mild sedative.

Why the test is performed

The test is particularly valuable because it can provide information about liver function. It is also used to help confirm other test results.

Normal Values

The liver and spleen should appear normal in size, shape, and location. The radioisotope is absorbed evenly.

What abnormal results mean

Abscess
Budd-Chiari syndrome
High pressure in the liver blood vessels (portal hypertension)
Infection
Injury
Liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis)
Superior vena cava obstruction
Splenic infarction (tissue death)
Tumors

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

What the risks are

There is some concern with radiation from any scan. However, the level of radiation in this procedure is less than that of most x-rays and is not considered significant enough to cause harm to the average person.

Pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before any exposure to radiation, because fetuses and nursing babies are more sensitive to the effects of radiation.

Special considerations

Other tests may be needed to confirm the findings of this test, including abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, liver biopsy, or liver flow study.

Review Date:1/24/2007
Reviewed By:Stuart Bentley-Hibbert, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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