Liver-Spleen Scan: Nuclear Imaging of Liver and Spleen Function
Updated: 2 days ago
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Baraa Alnahhal, MD · Last reviewed: November 2026 · How we review
Quick Answer
A liver-spleen scan is a nuclear medicine imaging test that shows how well the liver and spleen are working. A radioactive tracer is injected into a vein, and a gamma camera creates pictures. It's used to monitor chronic liver disease such as cirrhosis, find liver or spleen lesions and assess injury after trauma. The test takes an hour.
What the research says
A colloid shift points to cirrhosis: in 146 people with portal hypertension, a shift of tracer to the bone marrow was seen in 84% of those with cirrhosis vs. 7% of those with a non-cirrhotic liver condition (Chakraborty D et al., Indian J Nucl Med, 2010) [2]
It also shows spleen tissue: a review explains that sulfur colloid scans show the spleen's size, location and health, and can find leftover or extra spleen tissue after the spleen is removed (Sty JR et al., Semin Nucl Med, 1985) [3]
Key takeaways
A liver-spleen scan uses a tracer to show liver and spleen function.
It helps monitor chronic liver disease and find lesions.
A colloid shift away from the liver suggests reduced liver function.
The test takes about an hour, including a short wait.
Drink plenty of water for 24 hours afterward.
What is a liver-spleen scan?
The liver and spleen contain cells that filter particles from the blood. The tracer used in this scan is made of tiny particles that these cells take up. Areas that absorb more tracer appear as hot spots, and areas with less appear as cold spots. Unlike an ultrasound, which shows structure, this scan shows how the organs are functioning. Sources: [1]
Why it's done
The scan shows how well the liver and spleen work.
Monitor chronic liver disease and check how treatment is working.
Find lesions in the liver or spleen.
Assess organ damage after an injury.
Evaluate diseases that affect both organs.
Look for causes of unexplained upper belly pain. Sources: [1]
How to prepare
Change into a hospital gown and remove metal objects.
Tell your provider if you're pregnant, might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
Tell your provider about any allergy to sulfur colloid.
Ask for a sedative if you're nervous. Sources: [1]
What happens during the test
The whole test takes about an hour.
A small amount of tracer is injected into a vein in your arm.
You wait about 15 to 30 minutes while it reaches your liver and spleen.
You lie on the scanner bed while a gamma camera takes pictures, each set lasting about 15 to 20 minutes.
SPECT/CT images may be added for 3D views; you may be asked to change positions and hold still. Sources: [1]
Risks and aftercare
Risks are few. The radiation dose is small, but it may affect a fetus or pass into breast milk, so tell your provider if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Drink plenty of water for the next 24 hours to help flush the tracer. Sources: [1]
What the results mean
Findings may need confirmation with other tests.
Finding | What it may mean |
Liver takes up more tracer than the spleen | Normal |
Colloid shift to the spleen and bone marrow | Declining liver function, such as cirrhosis |
Cold spots | Lesions such as cysts or tumors |
Enlarged organs | Liver or spleen enlargement |
Missing or patchy spleen uptake | Splenic infarction or rupture |
Other possible findings include hepatitis, fibrosis, fatty liver disease, portal hypertension and Budd-Chiari syndrome. Results may need confirmation with another test, such as liver function tests or other imaging. Sources: [1, 2, 3]
Conclusion
A liver-spleen scan shows how well your liver and spleen are working, not just how they look. It helps track liver disease and find problems in both organs with a low-risk, about one-hour test.
Keep learning: read about nuclear medicine imaging and the liver ultrasound.
Frequently asked questions
What is a liver-spleen scan?
A nuclear scan that shows how well your liver and spleen work.
What tracer is used?
Usually technetium-99m sulfur colloid.
How long does the test take?
About an hour.
Does it hurt?
Only the IV needle; the scan is painless.
What is a colloid shift?
When the spleen and bone marrow take up more tracer than the liver, suggesting reduced liver function.
What are hot and cold spots?
Areas that take up more or less tracer than normal.
Is it safe?
Yes. The radiation dose is small.
Can I breastfeed afterward?
Ask your provider; the tracer may pass into breast milk.
What should I do after the scan?
Drink plenty of water for 24 hours.
Will I need other tests?
Sometimes, to confirm the findings.
Related Reading
Nuclear Medicine Imaging: How Tracer Scans Work, Safety and Results an overview of tracer-based scans.
Liver Ultrasound: Why It's Done, How to Prepare, Types and What Results Mean ultrasound imaging of the liver.
Liver Function Tests (LFTs): What They Measure, Normal Ranges and Results blood tests of liver health.
SPECT Scan: How It Works, What It Shows and What to Expect 3D nuclear imaging used in this scan.
Abdominal Ultrasound: Why It's Done, How to Prepare, What to Expect and Results ultrasound of the belly organs.
References
Cleveland Clinic. Liver-Spleen Scan: What It Is, Procedure & Results. Cleveland Clinic. Last updated May 30, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17180-liver-spleen-scan
Chakraborty D, Sunil HV, Mittal BR, et al. Role of Tc99m sulfur colloid scintigraphy in differentiating non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis from cirrhosis liver. Indian J Nucl Med. 2010;25(4):139-142. PMID 21713221. https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-3919.78247
Sty JR, Conway JJ. The spleen: development and functional evaluation. Semin Nucl Med. 1985;15(3):276-298. PMID 3898381. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0001-2998(85)80005-2
Medical disclaimer
This article is for general education only and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Talk to your doctor about your own diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care right away for severe or sudden symptoms.
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