Finding the right tests…
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Finding the right tests…
CT Scan
CT liver donor evaluation is a scan done on a person being considered as a living liver donor, before any surgery is scheduled. It checks the liver's blood vessels, its overall volume, and the volume of the specific portion that would be removed for transplant, along with the volume that would remain in the donor. The scan also looks for fatty change in the liver tissue, since too much fat can make donation unsafe. This CT does not perform or replace the donor surgery itself; it is one part of the wider medical evaluation used to decide whether a person can safely donate a portion of their liver.
This scan measures the total volume of the liver and the volume of the portion planned for donation, and maps the arteries, veins, and bile ducts feeding each part. Your report describes the vascular anatomy in detail, since surgeons rely on it to plan the operation safely.
Before someone can donate part of their liver for a transplant, surgeons need a detailed picture of that person's liver anatomy. CT liver donor evaluation provides this, using contrast dye and a scan taken in multiple phases as the dye moves through the liver's blood supply.
- The size of the whole liver and the portion that would be removed - The arteries, veins, and bile ducts, including any unusual branching pattern - The amount of fat within the liver tissue
Vessel anatomy varies from person to person, and an unusual branching pattern, which is fairly common, changes how a surgeon plans the operation. Volume matters because the donor needs enough remaining liver to stay healthy, and the recipient needs enough of a graft for their body size. Excess fat in the liver can affect how well the donated portion regenerates.
This CT is an imaging test, not a surgical assessment on its own. It works alongside blood tests, a physical evaluation, and specialist review to decide whether donation is safe. The final decision involves the wider transplant team, not the scan alone.
This scan uses an iodine-based contrast dye, so tell the team about any past contrast reaction or kidney condition. It also involves radiation exposure across multiple imaging phases.
No. It provides detailed images that the transplant team uses alongside blood tests and other evaluations. The final decision involves the full team, not this scan alone.
The liver's arteries, veins, and bile ducts fill with contrast dye at different times. Multiple phases let the radiologist map each part separately.
Vessel variations are common and do not automatically rule out donation. Surgeons use this information to plan the operation around your specific anatomy.
It depends on how much fat is present. Your medical team will assess this alongside other findings to judge donation safety.
This page is general information about the test, not medical advice. Your own report's reference ranges apply — please discuss your results with your doctor.
No. This is an imaging test done well before any surgery. It does not remove tissue or treat any condition.
Because it's taken in multiple phases, the radiation exposure is higher than a single-phase CT. Your transplant team will explain why this level of detail is needed.
Preparation instructions vary by centre. Ask your doctor or the centre what applies to you before your appointment.
Tell your team about any kidney problems beforehand, since the contrast dye is processed by the kidneys.