Liver and Spleen Scan

Liver and Spleen Scan

Liver and spleen scan is a procedure that is used to check for problems with your liver or spleen. It can check for cysts, abscesses, tumors, or other problems. It is often used to see if a cancer has spread to the liver from another place.

In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) is injected into your blood. The tracer will travel through your bloodstream and be absorbed by your liver and spleen. A scanner with a camera that detects the radioactive tracer is used to examine the liver and spleen. The tracer makes it easier for your health care provider to see possible problems.

Tell a health care provider about:

  • Any allergies you have.
  • All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
  • Any blood disorders you have.
  • Any surgeries you have had.
  • Any medical conditions you have.
  • Whether you are breastfeeding.
  • Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

Generally, this is a safe procedure. However, problems may occur, including:

  • Exposure to radiation (a small amount).
  • Bleeding at the IV site.
  • Infection at the IV site. This is rare.
  • Allergic reaction to the radioactive material. This is rare.

What happens before the procedure?

  • Ask your health care provider about changing or stopping your regular medicines. This is especially important if you are taking diabetes medicines or blood thinners.

What happens during the procedure?

  • An IV will be inserted into one of your veins. This will remain in place for the entire exam.
  • A small amount of radioactive tracer will be injected through the IV.
  • You will need to wait 20–30 minutes while the tracer is taken up by the liver and spleen.
  • Images will be taken of your abdomen. You may be asked to change positions from lying on your back to lying on your belly so that images can be taken of all sides of your liver.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What happens after the procedure?

  • Return to your normal activities and your normal diet as told by your health care provider.
  • The radioactive tracer will leave your body over the next few days. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This will help flush the tracer out of your body.
  • It is your responsibility to obtain your test results. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
    • When will my results be ready?
    • How will I get my results?
    • What are my treatment options?
    • What other tests do I need?
    • What are my next steps?

Summary

  • A liver and spleen scan is a procedure that is used to check for problems with the liver or spleen. It can check for cysts, abscesses, or tumors. It also can see if a cancer has spread to the liver from other places.
  • In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) is injected into your blood and absorbed by your liver and spleen. A scanner with a camera can detect the radioactive tracer.
  • The radioactive tracer will leave your body over the next few days. Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. This will help flush the tracer out of your body.
  • Check with your health care provider about your results.
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