Description of test You or a close relative will be required to sign a consent form after the procedure has been explained to you. Skin is cleaned with antiseptic. Local anesthetic is injected into skin overlying the spleen then into deeper tissues. You may feel a brief stinging sensation when local anesthetic is injected. Hold your breath.
Sheathed needle is inserted into the spleen.
A flexible tube is attached to the sheath and connected to the manometer to measure pressure. The flexible tube is removed. Dye is injected through the needle after it is properly positioned. Dye fills veins in the spleen then drains through other veins into the liver. You may feel a temporary, flushed feeling when dye is injected.