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Top Liver Testing Centres in Dhakuria, Kolkata

Liver Scan

Liver Testing Centre in Dhakuria, Kolkata

A Liver Scan is a specialised radiology procedure used to examine the liver to identify certain conditions or assess the function of the liver. It is a type of nuclear medicine technique. During the procedure, a small quantity of radioactive material is applied during the process to help with the liver examination. A radioactive atom (radionuclide) is added to a molecule absorbed by normal liver tissue to create the radioactive material, also known as a radioactive tracer. By measuring the behaviour of the radionuclide in the body during a nuclear scan, the doctor can assess and diagnose various conditions, such as tumours, abscesses, hematomas, organ enlargement, or cysts. A nuclear scan may also be used to assess organ function and blood circulation.

FAQ's

The liver is a metabolically active organ responsible for many vital life functions. The primary functions of the liver are:

  • Bile production and excretion
  • Excretion of bilirubin, cholesterol, hormones, and drugs
  • Metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates
  • Enzyme activation
  • Storage of glycogen, vitamins, and minerals
  • Synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin, and clotting factors
  • Blood detoxification and purification

There are different scans or diagnostic procedures to examine the liver, which include: 

  • Ultrasonography
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • Computed Tomography (CT Scan)
  • Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Percutaneous Transhepatic Cholangiography
  • Operative Cholangiography
  • Radionuclide Scanning

A person may need a scan if he/she is experiencing unexplained pain in the upper right side of their abdomen. A Liver Scan helps to determine the size and function of the liver. Healthcare providers prescribe a Liver Scan if they suspect any sort of liver disease or damage. A healthcare provider orders a Liver Scan to help in diagnosing conditions and abnormal growths such as: 

  • Organ augmentation
  • Cysts
  • Abscess 
  • Tumours
  • Cirrhosis
  • Hepatitis 
  • Hematoma 

Liver Scans also help the healthcare provider monitor how the person is responding to the treatment.

  • Before a Liver Scan, patients can eat and drink as usual.
  • A medical practitioner may ask the patient to sign a consent form authorising the procedure before the scan.
  • Any jewellery, dentures, or other metallic accessories that can impede the scanner's operation must be taken off by the patient. In addition, they might have to don a hospital gown.
  • If a patient knows they are pregnant or thinks they might be, they have to tell the medical staff.
  • An individual must inform the healthcare provider of any recent barium exams or tests performed in nuclear medicine, as this could potentially compromise the accuracy of the scan results.

A Liver Scan can be performed on an outpatient basis or while a patient is in the hospital. Depending on the patient's condition and the policies of the facility, the process could change. Typically, it involves: 

  • A medical practitioner will request that the patient take off all jewellery, accessories, and clothing. A gown will be given to the patient to wear during the surgery.
  • A healthcare professional will insert an IV line on the person’s arm or hand. A radiologist will inject a small amount of radioactive tracer.
  • The person will wait 15–30 minutes for the tracer to collect in the liver tissue. If it takes longer, a person may need to return the next day for the scan.
  • The person will lie on the scanning table. The radiologist will place a large camera above the person. This camera will scan for the gamma rays emitted by the tracer, which records the images.
  • The healthcare professional may move the patient to get a different perspective of the liver's surfaces during the scan.
  • Once done, the healthcare professional will remove the IV line from the person’s arm or hand.

Typically, a Liver Ultrasound takes 30 minutes or less. It will require some extra time for a more thorough examination or a certain kind of ultrasound. Consider allocating a full hour for the entire process.

The technician will send the images from your test to a radiologist. The radiologist will study the images and write a detailed report. Sometimes, they might be available to discuss their initial findings with you right away. Later, they’ll send their report to your primary healthcare provider. Once the procedure is over, you can go home and resume eating, drinking, and all of your normal activities.

Liver Scans or Ultrasounds are safe, noninvasive, and painless; they are frequently the first option for medical professionals to evaluate the liver. It doesn't include getting exposed to radiation or ingesting alien objects. The contrast agent is safe as well. There is no chance of an allergic reaction because it is gas rather than dye. Ultrasound is a practical choice because it is the fastest imaging test currently available.

The amount of radionuclide injected into your vein for the procedure is small enough that there is no need for precautions against radioactive exposure. The injection of radionuclides may cause discomfort. 

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