Tests and Procedures
During the course of the evaluation, the patient will have a number of tests and procedures that will help the Team form as
complete a picture as possible of the patient’s overall state of health. Some of these tests will be completed at Jefferson;
others may be performed at the patient’s community hospital or health facility. These tests and procedures include:
- Blood tests - These include tests to check blood count, clotting factors, and other tests to check the liver function. Other blood tests
will be done to look for viruses that may affect a liver transplant. Patients who await a liver will need to have periodic
blood work MELD Score status and general health.
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) of the abdomen– An MRI is similar to an X-ray in that it allows doctors to view inside the body. However, MRI uses magnets and computers
to obtain the three-dimensional image. Sometimes an intravenous (IV) line may be attached to the patient’s arm and a dye is
injected so that doctors can gain a clearer picture.
- Chest X-ray– This is a test where an X-ray will be taken of the chest.
- Echocardiogram– A smooth device will be passed over the patient’s chest, sending soundwaves to the heart. This test will show if there are
any abnormalities in the heart, its valves, or in the flow of blood through the heart.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG)– In this test, sensors are taped to the patient’s chest and the electrical activity of the heart is recorded.
- Cardiac stress test– The patient is given an injection of a substance that increases the heart rate. Scans of the heart will then be taken that
show blood flow within the heart.
- Catheterization and Angiogram– A special dye is injected through a large blood vessel in the neck or groin to see the blood flow through the liver, heart,
or other blood vessels while X-rays and blood pressure measurements are taken. The patient may experience a “hot flash” during
this test.
- Endoscopy– The purpose of this test is to see if there is any bleeding or enlarged blood vessels in the patient’s gastrointestinal
tract. The patient is given medication to relax. A tube is inserted though the mouth so that doctors can look down into the
patient’s esophagus and stomach.
- Colonoscopy– The purpose of this test is to be sure the patient does not have any sign of colon any or any pre-cancerous polyps. The
patient is given medication to relax. A tube with a tiny video camera is inserted though the patient's rectum. On a videoscreen,
doctors can view the inside of the patient’s colon.
- Liver biopsy– The skin over the liver is numbed with a local injection. A needle is put into the liver and a small amount of liver tissue
is removed to examine under a microscope.
- Ultrasound– This will show any obstructions or tumors that are present as well as the blood flow through the liver. In an ultrasound
of the liver, a gel-like substance is poured over the area and a smooth device is passed over the right side of the stomach.
This channels sound waves into the liver and makes a picture on a small computer screen nearby.
- Vaccinations– Prior to any liver transplant, the Team needs verification that all patients have received vaccinations for a number of
specific infections such as hepatitis and pneumonia. A letter is supplied to all patients which lists the vaccinations required.
Patients usually take this to their family doctor, who can usually supply the vaccinations at their local office.
- Dental Evaluation– The Transplant Team supplies a letter to all patients asking that they have a checkup with their dentist and asking for
proof that their teeth are in good condition and free of infections.
- PPD Skin Test– The Transplant Team requires proof from all patients regarding their exposure to tuberculosis. All patients receive a letter
to present to their doctor. The doctor can either administer the test or supply the results of a test that had previously
been given.
- Mammogram– Women must have a mammogram, according to the routine guidelines that primary care physicians follow. The Transplant Team
supplies all female patients with a letter to present to their doctor.
