Assessing Splenic Function: What You Need to Know
Assessing Splenic Function: What You Need to Know
What's This About?
Determining how well your spleen works can be tricky, but it's crucial for preventing severe infections. Here's how doctors check its function.
Contents
- Why Check Spleen Function?
- Key Tests
- Advanced Testing Options
Why Check Spleen Function?
A functioning spleen is essential for fighting certain infections. If your spleen isn't working well, you're at a higher risk for severe illnesses. Testing helps doctors decide the best ways to protect you from these risks.
Key Tests
Doctors often start with a blood smear to look for Howell-Jolly bodies, a sign of impaired splenic function. Advanced imaging and blood tests can provide more information but are not always necessary unless initial tests suggest a problem.
Advanced Testing Options
For uncertain cases, imaging like Tc99m liver-spleen scintigraphy can offer more detail. These tests are not routine but help in complex cases to gauge spleen health more thoroughly.
FAQs
What are Howell-Jolly bodies?
They are markers in blood for impaired spleen function.
Is advanced imaging always needed?
No, it's used when basic tests show a problem.
Why test spleen function?
To prevent severe infections by assessing spleen health.
Wrapping Up
Regular checks can help manage risks associated with impaired spleen function.
Additional References
- Ishikawa T, et al. Prevalence of Howell-Jolly bodies. Intern Med 2013; 52:1765.
- Lammers AJ, et al. Hyposplenism: comparison of different methods for determining splenic function. Am J Hematol 2012; 87:484.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.