Liver and Spleen Scan

What To Think About

• Computed tomography (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are often done now instead of a liver and spleen scan to check for problems with these organs. For more information, see the medical tests CT Scan of the Body or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Body.
• If a liver and spleen scan show problems, more tests such as a liver biopsy, an ultrasound, or X-rays may be done. For more information, see the medical tests Percutaneous Liver Biopsy, Abdominal Ultrasound, or Abdominal X-ray.
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a special CT scan method that may be used during a liver scan. After the radioactive tracer is injected, a special camera (called a scintillation camera) takes pictures from several views.
• Special types of scans to check the spleen or liver are done by collecting a blood sample from the person. These blood cells are "tagged" with a radioactive tracer. These tagged cells are then given back to the person. One type of scan can show whether the spleen, which should remove the tagged cells from the blood, is working well. Another type of tagged red blood cell scan is used to find certain liver problems or areas of bleeding.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: November 28, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.