Hemangioma Scan

Hemangioma Scan

 

About the test

This test is done to find blood vessel tumors of the liver, called hemangiomas, that are not cancerous. The material, called a tracer, used to see your liver contains a very small amount of radioactivity. It will naturally go away on its own. 

If you are breastfeeding, pregnant, or think you might be, tell the technologist before starting to prepare for the scan.

To prepare for the test

  • Avoid any tests with barium for 48 hours before this test.  
  • You do not need to do anything else to prepare for this test.

During the test

  • Expect this test to take 3 to 4½ hours to complete.
  • An intravenous (IV) line will be place into your arm. A small amount of blood will be collected through the IV.  
  • It will take about 30 minutes to add the tracer to your blood. 
  • When your blood is ready with the tracer, you will lie on your back on a table in the scanner. Pictures will be taken of your liver while your blood is given back to you through your IV. Several pictures of your liver will be taken at this time. This process will take about 30 minutes.

scanner  

  • Then you will be taken out to the waiting area for about 30 minutes to let the tracer move to your liver. 
  • You will be brought back into the room and lie on the table again. More pictures are taken around your liver. This takes about 45 minutes.  
  • The doctor will then review the pictures to check if any others are needed before you leave.

After the test

  • Your doctor will be sent the report of your scan in the next few days. Your doctor will share the results with you and discuss any treatment that may be needed.
  • You can return to your normal activity after the test.
  • Drink 6 to 8 cups (8 ounce size) of fluids each day over the next few days to help flush the tracer out of your body.

© 2012 – July 18, 2022, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information, call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.