When your doctor recommends a liver scan, you are bound to feel annoyed and anxious. You may have a few questions that may worry you a lot.
A liver scan is one of the most common diagnostic tests used today. It helps you in understanding what it involves and can help ease any anxiety you might be feeling. Let’s explore everything you need to know about this important imaging test.
What exactly is a liver scan? We will break down what a liver scan test is and why it is ordered by your doctor.
What is a liver scan?
A liver scan is a non-invasive diagnostic imaging test. It is used to let the doctors get a detailed picture of your liver and the other organs that surround it. In fact, it is comparable to a small camera that can see the insides of your body.
The scan, also called a spleen ultrasound, is undertaken without any cuts. However, there are different types of scans conducted, and the doctors may recommend each of these tests to help you achieve better results.
The most common among the liver scans is the liver ultrasound. It uses high-frequency sound waves to create the images of the liver. These sounds will bounce off your organs and help you create a real-time picture on a computer screen.
The test is quite similar to an ultrasound that is typically used during pregnancy. However, instead of the uterus, the test scans the different organs of your body.
Another test used for this purpose is a nuclear liver scan. This is also called a technetium scan. It uses a small amount of radioactive material to check how well your liver and spleen are functioning. This type helps doctors assess the overall function of these organs, not just their structure.
During this procedure, a healthcare provider moves a smooth handheld device (called a transducer) across the abdomen. This device sends the sound waves through your body. It captures the reflections of these sound waves. It’s completely non-invasive, meaning nothing enters your body, and there’s no radiation exposure with an ultrasound.
Why would I need a liver scan?
Your doctor may recommend a liver scan for multiple reasons. It can be due to the issues or symptoms that may indicate a liver issue. It may also be recommended if your blood tests have revealed something that may need a closer look.
Here are a few reasons that would require a liver scan:
- You have unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or other symptoms that suggest liver trouble. It is generally the first test that doctors would use if they suspect any liver issues.
- You may be suspected of having liver conditions, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. These conditions will need periodic liver scans.
- You may also be at risk for fatty liver diseases – perhaps due to obesity, diabetes, or excessive alcohol consumption.
- If any other test shows a mass or abnormal spot, a liver scan may be ordered. It can help the doctors to determine if a lesion is cancerous, a benign cyst, or something else entirely.
- You may also be ordered a liver scan test if your doctor suspects portal hypertension (high blood pressure in the veins leading to your liver) or other vascular problems.
- Liver scans may also be recommended if you are suspected of having infections or abscesses in your liver.
- A liver scan may also be recommended for the evaluation of your spleen or gall bladder.
What are the benefits of a liver scan?
The benefits offered by a liver scan are indeed enormous. That is exactly why it has become a standard tool in the hands of the doctors.
Here are a few factors that would make these scans useful and beneficial.
- Highly non-invasive – The doctor does not need to make any incisions or cuts to your liver for the test results. That should make it the most comfortable and preferred test ever. There is no pain involved in the procedure.
- No radiation exposure – It is an ultrasound scan and not a scan that involves radiation. The technique uses sound waves, which should make it completely safe for your body. That should ideally make it a perfect choice for pregnant women, children, and anyone who needs frequent imaging without worrying about cumulative radiation exposure.
- Quick and convenient – Most of the liver ultrasound scans take no more than 30 minutes to an hour to complete. You do not need to stay in the hospital. That apart, you will also need very little preparation before the test.
- Highly accurate – It can accurately detect most of the liver issues. It can clearly show the signs of liver disease, inflammation, scar tissue, liver lesions, and other abnormalities. In fact, the accuracy can be further exemplified when used with techniques like elastography or Doppler ultrasound.
- Cost effective – The test is much more affordable when you compare it to the other tests, such as advanced imaging tests. That would make it more accessible to anyone who needs a scan. Moreover, it can also cause allergic reactions.
However, the liver scan is an excellent option as a means of an excellent diagnosis.
What Are the Risks of a Liver Scan?
The liver scan is an excellent test option for diagnosing most of the health concerns. This scan is one of the safest diagnostic procedures available. However, let’s talk about what you should know.
If you are opting for the ultrasound liver scan, it does not have any side effects. It does not cause any pain or need any injection. There is no radiation exposure of any nature involved in the test procedure. The only issue that you would most likely face is the lack of clear images.
Imagine you have a lot of gas issues or significant fatty acids or even calcification in your body. In such a case, the sound waves may not travel as clearly as they should. That would mean you will find it difficult to get clearer images. Additionally, interpreting ultrasound images requires skill and experience, so there’s a small possibility of human error in reading the results.
In the case of nuclear liver scans, you would find that the radiation works really well enough. You would find that the scans are much safer than X-rays. The radioactive material used for the purpose is safer and will not harm your body. However, take care if you are pregnant or nursing. It is advisable to talk to your doctor.
In some rare cases, some of you may have a few allergic reactions to any of the agents used in the scan. If you’re very anxious or have difficulty lying still, your doctor might offer you a mild sedative to help you relax during the procedure.
The bottom line? The risks of a liver scan are minimal compared to the valuable information it provides about your health.
What Happens During a Liver Scan?
So, you have now understood what a liver scan is all about and how beneficial it is. Let us walk through what actually happens during the procedure of a liver scan. It is quite essential to understand what happens during a liver scan.
When you arrive at an imaging centre, you will have to check in and are asked to change into a hospital gown. You will be asked to remove any of the jewellery, dentures, and metal objects. If you have any anxiety issues or claustrophobia, let your healthcare provider know about it. They can provide the options to ease it.
For the actual test, you will need to lie on the exam table. You may need to change positions based on your specific needs. The sonographer will apply a clear, warm gel to your abdomen—this might feel a bit cool at first, but it’s perfectly harmless.
This gel helps the transducer (a handheld device) to maintain a smooth and consistent touch with your skin. Once the gel is applied, the sonographer will move the transducer over your abdomen, gently pressing and moving it in different directions to capture images of your liver and surrounding organs.
You will not feel any pain during the process. As the transducer moves across your abdomen, it sends sound waves into your body, and these waves bounce back to create images displayed on a computer screen in real time.
You may need to adjust your breathing or hold your breath for a few seconds. This will help you get clearer images of your organs. They might also perform additional imaging techniques if needed, such as a Doppler ultrasound to check blood flow or elastography to assess tissue stiffness.
The entire process should not take more than 30 minutes to an hour. If you need any specific ultrasound scans, you may need a bit more time.
What Happens After the Liver Scan?
The liver scan is not a medical procedure. It is just a scan to find if you have any issues with your liver. That would mean you do not have any sort of recovery period involved. You can get up, dress up and go home.
The scanned images will be sent to the radiologist. This radiologist will carefully study all the images and write a detailed report describing what they see. Sometimes, the radiologist might be able to discuss initial findings with you right away. Other times, they’ll send their report to your primary healthcare provider, who will then discuss the results with you.
As for the results of the ultrasound scan, most of the time, they will be available in a few days to a week. Don’t hesitate to follow up with your doctor if you haven’t heard back within a reasonable timeframe.
FAQs
How Do I Prepare for a Liver Scan?
The liver scan does not need any preparation. However, you may be asked to fast for 6 to 12 hours. This will make sure that the food will not interfere with the images. Even when you can drink water, some facilities may ask you to avoid even water for a specific period.
How Long Does a Liver Scan Take?
Most of the liver scans can take around 30 minutes to one hour to finish. This will include check-in, the actual scanning time, and any positioning adjustments. If the doctor recommends special techniques like elastography, Doppler, or contrast-enhanced ultrasound, you may need to go through a little longer period.
Is a liver scan the same as a liver biopsy?
No, a liver scan is not the same as a liver biopsy. A liver scan is a non-invasive imaging test that lets the doctors scan the insides of your liver. A liver biopsy, on the other hand, is an invasive procedure where a small needle is inserted into your liver to remove a tiny tissue sample for laboratory examination.
Can I have a liver scan if I’m pregnant?
Yes, liver ultrasounds are completely safe during pregnancy. The scan uses the sound waves and not radiation. That should make it one of the safest scan options for pregnant women. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor and let them know about your pregnancy.
Conclusion
A liver scan is a safer and quicker way to learn about any issues you may be facing. It has been regarded as the best scan option to analyse the health of your liver. You need not worry if a liver scan is suggested by the doctor.
At Magnus Diagnostics, we’re committed to providing you with comprehensive, compassionate diagnostic services. If you need a liver scan or any other imaging test, our experienced team of radiologists and sonographers is here to ensure your experience is comfortable and accurate.