Liver And Spleen Scan: What To Think About

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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 Liver Biopsy, Abdominal Ultrasound, or Abdominal X-ray.
• Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is a special scan method that may be used during a liver and spleen 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 if some part of the spleen is still in the body after surgery to remove the spleen (splenectomy). Another type of tagged red blood cell scan is used to find certain liver problems or areas of bleeding.

Last updated:	October 20, 2008
Author:	Monica Rhodes
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Myo Min Han, MD - Nuclear Medicine
Editors:	Maria Essig, Tracy Landauer