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

What the risks are:

There is some concern with radiation from any scan. However, the level of radiation in technetium is less than that of most X-rays and is not considered significant enough to cause harm to the average person; however, pregnant or nursing women should consult their health care provider before any exposure to radiation because fetuses and nursing babies are more sensitive to the effects of radiation.

Special considerations:

Other tests may be needed to confirm the findings of this test; including abdominal ultrasound, abdominal CT scan, liver biopsy or spleen biopsy, or liver flow study.