Liver scan

Alternative names:

liver scan (Tc); liver technetium sulfur colloid scan; liver-spleen radionuclide scan; liver-spleen scan; nuclear scan - liver or spleen; nuclear scan - technetium; technetium scan

Normal values:

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

What abnormal results mean:

• liver disease (cirrhosis, hepatitis)
• abnormal growths (primary or metastatic tumors)
• abscess
• infection
• injury
• portal hypertension (high pressure in the liver blood vessels)
• superior vena cava obstruction
• splenic infarction (tissue death)
• Budd-Chiari syndrome

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

• amebic liver abscess
• hepatocellular carcinoma