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Liver scan
Technetium scan; Liver technetium sulfur colloid scan; Liver-spleen radionuclide scan; Nuclear scan - technetium; Nuclear scan - liver or spleen
A liver scan uses a radioactive material to check how well the liver or spleen is working and to assess masses in the liver.
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, or to change positions during the scan.
How to Prepare for the Test
You must sign a consent form. You will be asked to remove jewelry, dentures, and other metals that can affect the scanner's functions.
You may need to wear a hospital gown.
How the Test will Feel
You will feel a sharp prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. You should not feel anything during the actual scan. If you have problems lying still or are very anxious, you may be given a mild medicine (sedative) to help you relax.
Why the Test is Performed
The test can provide information about liver and spleen function. It is also used to help confirm other test results.
The most common use for a liver scan is to diagnose a condition called benign focal nodular hyperplasia, or FNH, which causes a non-cancerous mass in the liver.
Normal Results
The liver and spleen should look normal in size, shape, and location. The radioisotope is absorbed evenly.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may indicate:
- Focal nodular hyperplasia or adenoma of the liver
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Abscess
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus in any part of the body. In most cases, the area around an abscess is swollen and inflamed.
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Budd-Chiari syndrome
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Hepatic vein obstruction is a blockage of the hepatic vein, which carries blood away from the liver.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Infection
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Liver disease
(such as
cirrhosis
or
hepatitis
)
Liver disease
The term "liver disease" applies to many conditions that stop the liver from working or prevent it from functioning well. Abdominal pain, yellowing ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleCirrhosis
Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver and poor liver function. It is the last stage of chronic liver disease.
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark ArticleHepatitis
Hepatitis is swelling and inflammation of the liver.
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Superior vena cava obstruction
Superior vena cava obstruction
SVC obstruction is a narrowing or blockage of the superior vena cava, which is the second largest vein in the human body. The superior vena cava mov...
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Splenic infarction
(tissue death)
Splenic infarction
Splenic infarction is the death of tissue (necrosis) in the spleen due to a blockage in blood flow.
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Risks
Radiation from any scan is always a slight concern. The level of radiation in this procedure is less than that of most x-rays. It is not considered to be enough to cause harm to the average person.
Pregnant or nursing women should consult their provider before any exposure to radiation.
Considerations
Other tests may be needed to confirm the findings of this test. These may include:
- Abdominal ultrasound
- Abdominal CT scan
- Liver biopsy
Instead of a liver scan, CT or MRI scans are more often used to evaluate the liver and spleen.
References
Lidofsky S. Jaundice. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2010:chap 20.
Lomas DJ, Mannelli L. The liver and spleen. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging . 6th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2014:chap 31.
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Liver scan - illustration
After a radioisotope has been injected into a vein, a series of pictures are taken of the liver by a scanner. It is particularly valuable because it can provide information about liver function. It is also used to help confirm other test results.
Liver scan
illustration
Review Date: 1/18/2015
Reviewed By: Jason Levy, MD, Northside Radiology Associates, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
