Measurement of colloid clearance rate as an adjunct to static liver imaging.

A technique for the measurement of the rate of uptake of 99mTc labelled sulphur colloid in the liver using a gamma camera and computer is described. The mathematical model showing the factors affecting the rate of uptake, and the results of the measurements in a series of normals and patients with a variety of liver diseases are presented. The range in cirrhosis was found to be significantly lower than normal and the range in acute liver injury significantly higher. The technique can easily be incorporated into a standard colloid liver imaging procedure and is considered to be a valuable adjunct to diagnosis using the static images.