Radionuclide Scanning of the Liver, Gallbladder, or Stomach

General Information:              

• Description: Radionuclides are compounds that, when injected into the body, collect in certain organs making them visible by a special type of x-ray machine (gamma scintillation camera). Different radionuclides are used to examine the liver/spleen, gallbladder, stomach, or to locate a site of bleeding in the abdomen. The test is performed in a hospital or outpatient x-ray facility by a radiology technician. The results are interpreted by a Radiologist. Depending on which of the above organs are being examined, the test takes 30-90 minutes.

• Discomfort - Minimal. The radionuclide has to be injected into a vein and there may be some discomfort associated with the infusion of the drug.                  

• Results - 2-3 days; within hours in emergency situations.                  

• Risk of Procedure - Minimal risk related to radiation exposure. The test should not be performed if pregnant. Minimal risk of adverse reaction to the medication.                 

• Risks of Procedure - None.                                 

• Other Names - Liver/spleen scan or liver scan Gallbladder scan, HIDA scan, or biliary scan Gastric emptying scan or stomach scan RBC scan or bleeding scan.

Liver/Spleen Scan

• To identify masses in the liver or spleen.

• To identify cirrhosis of the liver.

Gallbladder Scan

• To identify cholecystitis (an infected gallbladder).

• To identify a blockage in the bile ducts draining the liver and gall bladder.

• To determine how well the gall bladder is functioning.

Gastric Emptying Scan

• To determine how well the stomach is emptying solids and liquids after they have been ingested.
                   

Preparation

• You may be advised that nothing should be consumed for 8 hours before the test, except medications as directed by your doctor.

• You may be asked to wear a hospital gown.

Procedure

• An intravenous line is placed to administer the radionuclide.

• You lay on an x-ray table.

• The radionuclide is injected into the vein. For a gastric emptying scan, you eat or drink the radionuclide mixed in food or liquid.

• X-ray images are obtained after the radionuclide collects in the organ of interest.

• Depending on which organ is being examined, additional medication may be injected via the vein.
    

After the Procedure

• You may dress and return to normal activities.

Factors Affecting Results

• Movement can blur the images obtained by the x-ray machine.                  

• Some diseases may interfere with the proper uptake of the nucleotide, limiting the test.

Advantages

• The test can determine how well the examined organ is functioning.

• In a bleeding scan, a site of bleeding can be located when the rate of bleeding is very slow.

• The tests are easily tolerated with minimal exposure to x-rays.

Disadvantages

• Although abnormal functioning or another abnormality may be identified, the exact cause of the abnormality is not determined by these tests.