Liver scan

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Liver scan

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

Review Date: 01/24/2007
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.