Liver/Spleen Scan

What is the purpose of a liver/spleen scan?
The purpose of this scan is to determine if there are any abnormalities in the liver or spleen.

How is a liver/spleen scan performed?
You will be given a shot, usually in the vein of your arm. This shot contains a small amount of a radioactive material which will travel through the bloodstream to the liver and spleen. Pictures of the area will be taken about 15 minutes after the shot.

You will be asked lie on your back with your arms above your head. A camera that can detect radioactivity will be positioned to move around your abdominal area. It is important for you to hold still for the pictures. The exam will take about 90 minutes to complete.

How do I prepare for a liver/spleen scan?
There are no special preparations for this scan.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of what the photos show. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she may contact the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the exam.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Nuclear Medicine Department at 847-723-5050.