Colloid Liver Scan – Details & Precautions

A Colloid Liver Scan, also known as a Liver-Spleen Scan, is a nuclear medicine test used to evaluate liver and spleen function. It helps detect liver diseases, tumors, cirrhosis, and spleen abnormalities.

Details of a Colloid Liver Scan

Purpose

• Assesses liver function and structure.
• Detects cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver tumors.
• Evaluates liver size and shape for abnormalities.
• Identifies splenic disorders like splenomegaly or accessory spleens.
• Checks for liver or spleen trauma.

Procedure

1. Radioactive Tracer Injection

   • A small amount of Technetium-99m sulfur colloid is injected into a vein.
   • The tracer is absorbed by the liver, spleen, and bone marrow, allowing imaging of these organs.

2. Imaging Process

   • You will lie still under a gamma camera.
   • The camera takes images at regular intervals over 30–60 minutes.
   • The scan tracks how well the liver and spleen absorb the tracer.

3. Completion

   • The doctor analyzes the distribution of the tracer to assess liver and spleen health.

Precautions for a Colloid Liver Scan

Before the Test

✅ Fasting:

• No specific fasting is required, but follow any doctor’s instructions.

✅ Medication Restrictions:

• Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.

✅ Recent Contrast Studies:

• If you had a barium X-ray or CT contrast study, wait a few days, as it may affect results.

✅ Pregnancy/Breastfeeding:

• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the radioactive tracer may affect the baby.

During the Test

• Lie still to avoid blurry images.
• Inform the technician if you feel dizziness or discomfort.

After the Test

✅ Drink plenty of water to flush out the radioactive tracer.
✅ Resume normal activities and diet unless otherwise instructed.
✅ Avoid close contact with infants or pregnant women for a few hours if advised.