Technetium Scan; Liver Technetium Sulfur Colloid Scan

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

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Key Takeaways

This article explains How the Test is Performed in simple medical language.
This article explains How to Prepare for the Test in simple medical language.
This article explains How the Test will Feel in simple medical language.
This article explains Why the Test is Performed in simple medical language.

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

These warning signs are general safety guidance. Local emergency numbers and clinical judgment should always come first.

Severe symptoms, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, or rapidly worsening illness.
New weakness, severe pain, high fever, or symptoms after a serious injury.
Any symptom that feels urgent, unusual, or unsafe for the patient.

Liver scan

Definition

Technetium scan; Liver technetium sulfur colloid scan; Liver-spleen radionuclide scan; Nuclear scan – technetium; Nuclear scan – liver or spleen

A liver scan uses radioactive material to check how well the liver or spleen is working and to assess masses in the liver.

How the Test is Performed

The health care provider will inject a radioactive material called a radioisotope into one of your veins. After the liver has soaked up the material, you will be asked to lie on a table under the scanner.

The scanner can tell where the radioactive material has gathered in the body. Images are displayed on a computer. You may be asked to remain still, or to change positions during the scan.

How to Prepare for the Test

You must sign a consent form. You will be asked to remove jewelry, dentures, and other metals that can affect the scanner’s functions.

You may need to wear a hospital gown.

How the Test will Feel

You will feel a sharp prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. You should not feel anything during the actual scan. If you have problems lying still or are very anxious, you may be given a mild medicine (sedative) to help you relax.

Why the Test is Performed

The test can provide information about liver and spleen function. It is also used to help confirm other test results.

The most common use for a liver scan is to diagnose a condition called benign focal nodular hyperplasia, or FNH, which causes a non-cancerous mass in the liver.

Normal Results

The liver and spleen should look normal in size, shape, and location. The radioisotope is absorbed evenly.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results may indicate:

Focal nodular hyperplasia or adenoma of the liver
Abscess
Budd-Chiari syndrome
Infection
Liver disease (such as cirrhosis or hepatitis )
Superior vena cava obstruction
Splenic infarction (tissue death)
Tumors

Risks

Radiation from any scan is always a slight concern. The level of radiation in this procedure is less than that of most x-rays. It is not considered to be enough to cause harm to the average person.

Pregnant or nursing women should consult their provider before any exposure to radiation.

Considerations

Other tests may be needed to confirm the findings of this test. These may include:

Abdominal ultrasound
Abdominal CT scan
Liver biopsy

Instead of a liver scan, CT or MRI scans are more often used to evaluate the liver and spleen.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Rest, drink safe water, and observe symptoms carefully.
Keep a written note of symptoms, duration, temperature, medicines already taken, and allergy history.
Seek medical care quickly if symptoms are severe, worsening, or unusual for the patient.

OTC medicine safety

For mild pain or fever, ask a registered pharmacist or doctor before using common over-the-counter pain/fever medicines.
Do not combine multiple pain medicines without advice, especially if you have kidney disease, liver disease, stomach ulcer, asthma, pregnancy, or take blood thinners.
Do not give adult medicines to children unless a qualified clinician advises it.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Severe symptoms, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe dehydration, or sudden weakness need urgent medical care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Key Takeaways

Seek urgent medical care if you notice

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