CT TRIPHASIC LIVER
Also Known As
Lab Test
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About The Test
CT Triple Phase Liver Scan Overview
What the Test Reveals
- Detects the smallest liver tumors (as tiny as 5 mm)
- Maps blood supply to every corner of the liver
- Differentiates cancer from harmless cysts or hemangiomas
Why Timing Matters for Liver Health
The liver receives blood in three distinct waves. Capturing each wave separately lets radiologists spot problems early—often before symptoms appear—and plan treatment with confidence.
What is a CT Triple Phase Liver Scan?
Definition of Triphasic Imaging
Triphasic imaging means taking three separate CT pictures of the liver at exact moments after IV contrast injection:
1. Arterial phase – highlights arteries feeding the liver
2. Portal venous phase – shows blood returning via the portal vein
3. Delayed phase – reveals wash-out patterns that separate tumors from normal tissue
### How It Differs From Standard CT Scan Abdomen
| Standard CT Abdomen | CT Triple Phase Liver |
|---------------------|-----------------------|
| Single-phase image | Three timed phases |
| Broad overview | Liver-focused detail |
| May miss small tumors | Detects early lesions |
When and Who Needs to Take a CT Triple Phase Liver Scan?
Symptoms That Prompt the Scan
- Unexplained right-upper-belly pain
- Sudden weight loss or appetite drop
- Jaundice (yellow skin/eyes)
- Swollen abdomen or ankles
High-Risk Groups for Liver Disease
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Long-term alcohol use
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Family history of liver cancer
List of Parameters
- Liver density measurements (Hounsfield units)
- Vascular enhancement patterns in each phase
- Lesion characterization (size, borders, growth)
- Adjacent organ involvement (gallbladder, bile ducts)
Why This Test
- Detecting liver tumors early before they spread
- Evaluating cirrhosis progression and portal hypertension
- Pre-surgical planning for liver resection or transplant
- Monitoring known lesions for stability or growth
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- Precise triphasic liver imaging in under 15 minutes
- Non-invasive alternative to biopsy for many lesions
- Quick same-day results—most reports ready by evening
- Comfortable, open-bore scanner reduces claustrophobia
Illnesses Diagnosed with CT Triphasic Liver Scan
| Condition | What We Look For |
|---|---|
| Hepatocellular carcinoma | Arterial enhancement + venous wash-out |
| Liver metastases | Multiple rim-enhancing lesions |
| Hemangiomas | Bright arterial fill-in that fades slowly |
| Simple cysts | No enhancement in any phase |
Preparing for test
Fasting Guidelines
- Stop solid food 4–6 hours before scan
- Clear fluids allowed until 1 hour prior
Medication Adjustments
- Most routine medicines can continue
- Hold metformin morning of scan; resume after 48 h if kidney function normal
What to Wear
- Loose cotton clothing without metal zips or hooks
- Remove all jewelry, belts, and hairpins
Pre-requisites
- Recent kidney function tests (creatinine, eGFR within 4 weeks)
- Contrast allergy screening questionnaire
- Diabetic patients bring latest HbA1c report
Best Time to Take the CT Triple Phase Liver Scan
- Morning slots (7 am–11 am) help maintain fasting
- Scheduling 48 hours after gadolinium MRI avoids residual contrast interference
Eligibility
- Adults with suspected liver pathology
- Contra-indications: pregnant women (radiation risk), severe renal failure (contrast risk)
Procedure for Taking a CT Triple Phase Liver Scan
- Check-in & vitals
- Change into hospital gown
- Insert IV cannula for contrast
- Lie on scanner table; stay still
- Phase 1: Quick scout scan
- Phase 2: Arterial scan post-contrast
- Phase 3: Portal venous scan
- Phase 4: Delayed phase
- Total time: 10–15 minutes
- Hydrate with 500 ml water post-scan
Caution Before Taking the CT Triple Phase Liver Scan
- Inform staff about iodine or shellfish allergies
- Hydrate well the day before to protect kidneys
- Bring a companion if you have severe anxiety
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal scan | No abnormalities detected | Indicates healthy liver status |
| Mild inflammation | Slight tissue swelling seen | Suggests early or mild liver inflammation; follow-up recommended |
| Abnormal mass | Lesion with unusual density or enhancement pattern | Possible malignant or benign tumor; needs further evaluation via MRI, biopsy, or clinical correlation |
| No Abnormal Enhancement | The liver tissue appears uniform in its enhancement pattern across all phases, with no distinct focal lesions detected. | This generally indicates that no significant abnormalities that enhance with contrast were found on the scan. |
Risks & Limitations
Radiation Exposure Facts
- Dose equals ~3–5 years of natural background radiation
- Our low-dose protocols cut exposure by up to 30 %
Contrast Dye Considerations
- Mild reactions (nausea, rash) in <1 % of patients
- Serious allergy risk is extremely rare
- Kidney function test required to ensure safe dye clearance
Types of CT Triple Phase Liver Protocol
Arterial Phase
Captured 20–25 seconds after contrast injection. Highlights liver cancers that prefer arterial blood.
Portal Venous Phase
Captured 60–70 seconds after injection. Shows how the liver’s main vein transports blood.
Delayed Phase
Captured 3–5 minutes after injection. Helps confirm if a lesion is cancer or a benign hemangioma.
FAQs
Is the CT triple phase liver scan painful?
No. You’ll feel a warm flush when the contrast enters, but no pain.
How long does the entire appointment take?
From check-in to discharge: 45–60 minutes; scan itself: 10–15 minutes.
Can I drive home after the scan?
Yes, unless you took a sedative (rare). There are no lingering effects.
When can I expect my results?
At Cadabam's Diagnostics, your detailed report is typically finalized by our radiologist and sent to your referring physician within 24 hours. Your doctor will then schedule a time to review the results with you.
What is the cost of a triphasic liver CT?
The triphasic liver CT cost can vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please contact Cadabam's Diagnostics directly or visit our online pricing page. Our staff will be happy to assist you with any questions about cost and insurance coverage.