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A liver scan is a non-invasive imaging method used to assess the structure and function of the liver. It helps in detecting liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and tumours.
Using cutting-edge imaging techniques like nuclear medicine scans or ultrasound, a liver scan produces highly detailed images of the liver. Our experts can evaluate the size, shape, and texture of the liver as well as identify any anomalies or damage due to these images.
Our experienced team ensures that the liver scan is performed with precision and care, providing clear and accurate results to guide your diagnosis and treatment plan. We are committed to delivering top-quality care and support, helping you manage liver health effectively and improve overall well-being.
A liver scan is an imaging examination that looks at your liver and determines how effectively it functions. This test is also known as a liver-spleen scan since the healthcare provider frequently examines both the liver and the spleen. A liver scan is a sort of nuclear imaging procedure. This means that a small amount of radioactive material is used during the scan. Radioactive matter (tracer) is absorbed by normal liver tissue. The radioactive tracer produces gamma rays. The scanner picks up on these and creates a picture of your liver.
The parts of the liver where the radioactive tracer accumulates in larger quantities are known as "hot spots." "Cold spots" refer to locations that do not absorb the tracer and seem less brilliant on the scanned image.
A liver scan may be recommended for several reasons, including:
The average duration of a liver scan is thirty minutes to one hour. While the scan itself is normally completed quickly, there may be a pre-scan period of time needed for preparation and for the radioactive tracer to be given and absorbed by the liver.
Depending on the exact instructions from your healthcare professional, you might be requested to abstain from food and drink for a few hours prior to the liver scan. It's critical to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, allergic to anything, or have any other problems that could interfere with the scan. Furthermore, you need to let them know about any medications that you take.
A small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into an arm vein during a liver scan. The liver tissue absorbs this tracer, which releases gamma rays. These rays are detected by a specialised camera known as a gamma camera, which uses this information to produce images of your liver. Usually, the process entails lying motionless on a scanning table as the camera takes the pictures.
Following the liver scan, you can get back to your regular activities. A radiologist will evaluate the images taken during the scan, interpret the findings, and write a report for your healthcare provider. After reviewing the results with you, your doctor will decide whether further testing or treatment is required.
The risk from the radioactive tracer is extremely low. The amount used in the test was quite small. You may experience some discomfort when the tracer is injected. Allergic responses to the tracer are rare, although they can occur. For some people, lying on the scanning table throughout the operation may be uncomfortable or painful.
The liver scan's preliminary results might be available the same day, but your doctor may need a few days to finish and review the final report. When the results are ready, your doctor will go through them with you and go over any necessary next steps.
Your doctor may suggest additional tests to confirm a diagnosis or to further assess your liver status based on the findings of your liver scan. Blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, and liver biopsies are a few examples of these tests.
The growing foetus may be at risk, which is why a liver scan and other imaging techniques using radioactive tracers are typically not advised during pregnancy. For pregnant patients, non-radiation options like MRIs or ultrasounds are usually preferable because the radioactive material used in liver scans can expose them to radiation. You should let your healthcare practitioner know if you are pregnant or think you might be so they can suggest the safest course of action for a diagnosis.
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