Health Scan

Liver Ultrasound Scan

A Liver Ultrasound is a crucial part of an upper abdominal scan, providing detailed imaging of the liver along with other important abdominal organs, including the gall bladder, biliary system, pancreas, both kidneys, and spleen. This comprehensive scan helps assess liver health and can detect a range of conditions affecting the entire upper abdomen. It’s a quick and non-invasive way to get an in-depth look at your liver and surrounding organs, ensuring any issues are identified early.

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Who is the scan for?

This scan is suitable for individuals experiencing symptoms related to liver dysfunction, digestive discomfort, or upper abdominal pain. It’s also beneficial for those with a history of liver disease, gallstones, or conditions affecting the pancreas or kidneys. If you’re at risk of liver-related conditions due to lifestyle factors, family history, or have existing health concerns, this scan can offer valuable insights into your abdominal health.

Please note you can also upgrade your package with our blood test services. See below for further information.

Key Features

  • Comprehensive imaging of the liver, gall bladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, and central blood vessels
  • Non-invasive and pain-free diagnostic tool
  • Real-time results for a timely and accurate assessment
  • No radiation exposure, making it a safe choice for regular check-ups
  • Early detection of liver conditions, gallstones, and other abdominal issues

Why book a Liver Ultrasound Scan?

Concerning Lump or Swelling

If someone is experiencing symptoms such as a palpable lump in the liver area, persistent or severe upper right abdominal pain, or unexplained swelling in the abdomen, a liver ultrasound can help diagnose or rule out several conditions. This includes issues related to changes in liver function, such as jaundice, digestive issues, or pain radiating to the right shoulder.

High-Risk Patients

This is particularly relevant for those with a history of liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or liver cancer. Regular ultrasounds can also be beneficial for monitoring liver size and texture, detecting abnormalities like cysts or tumours, and assessing the overall health of the liver over time.

Characterising Lumps

Ultrasound can assess suspected cysts, benign masses, or lesions in the liver.

Changes in your Body

When monitoring your liver health, it’s important to be aware of several changes in your body. Keep an eye out for unexplained pain or tenderness in the upper right side of the abdomen, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), and persistent nausea or vomiting. Unusual swelling or bloating in the abdomen, along with dark urine or pale stool, can also be significant. Additional warning signs include chronic fatigue or weakness, loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss, and difficulty digesting fatty foods or frequent heartburn. If you notice signs of liver cirrhosis or fatty liver disease, gallstones or biliary tract blockages, or pancreatitis, it’s crucial to seek medical advice. Be vigilant for kidney-related symptoms like swelling or pain, as well as changes in blood pressure that could be linked to liver or kidney function. Additionally, monitor for any signs of central blood vessel abnormalities or blockages, and remain aware of any suspicion of abdominal tumours or cysts.

Monitoring

Regular liver monitoring is essential for maintaining good health and detecting potential issues early. Liver ultrasound scans provide valuable insights into liver function and can identify abnormalities. Individuals at higher risk, such as those with a family history of liver disease or existing liver conditions, should have regular check-ups. Monitoring your liver health is crucial for managing concerns and ensuring optimal liver function.

Book your Liver Scan?

Take charge of your liver health – schedule your Liver Ultrasound scan today for a comprehensive check-up!

Additional Information

Process

A healthcare professional will conduct your ultrasound scan. This scan requires no preparation before your appointment. A detailed report of the ultrasound findings will be provided within 24 hours of the appointment.

Results

Interpreting the results of a liver ultrasound scan involves analysing the images for signs of abnormalities within the liver structures.

The ultrasound report will include descriptions of any abnormalities found, with accompanying images and measurements, and will be sent to you within 24 hours of your scan.

Normal findings: Typically include a liver with a uniform structure and no evidence of cysts, lesions, or abnormalities.

Abnormal findings: These may include cysts, tumours, blockages, or unusual masses that require further investigation.

Understanding these details is crucial for clinicians to decide on the appropriate management or further diagnostic procedures and for patients to understand their condition and treatment options.

  • Liver Function Tests (LFT): Measures enzymes (ALT, AST), bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver function.
  • Hepatitis Panel: Screens for viral hepatitis, which can cause liver damage.
  • Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP): A marker for liver cancer or cirrhosis.
  • Prothrombin Time (PT): Evaluates blood clotting function, which can be affected by liver disease.
  • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): High levels may indicate bile duct problems or liver damage.
  • Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Assesses liver health and alcohol-related damage.

To find out more about our full list of blood test services please click here.

Abnormal findings

Abnormal findings may include cysts, tumours, blockages, or unusual masses in the liver that require further investigation.

Understanding these details is crucial for clinicians to determine the appropriate management or additional diagnostic procedures and for patients to grasp their condition and treatment options.

FAQs About Liver Ultrasound Scans

No, a liver ultrasound scan is not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure that involves applying a gel to the skin and using a handheld device to capture images of the liver.

Your appointment is scheduled for 15 minutes, but please allow up to 30 minutes for your visit.

For a liver ultrasound scan, it is important to have a full bladder for optimal visibility, so it is recommended to drink water 1-2 hours before the scan and to avoid urination until after the procedure.

The frequency of liver ultrasound scans depends on your individual health needs. If you have a family history of liver disease, pre-existing conditions, or are at higher risk for liver issues, your healthcare provider may recommend more frequent scans. For general monitoring, a scan may be advised if you experience symptoms such as unexplained pain in the upper right abdomen, jaundice, or persistent nausea. Your healthcare provider will recommend the appropriate screening schedule for you.

Yes, a liver ultrasound scan can detect various liver-related conditions. These include liver cysts, tumours, blockages, and unusual masses, as well as signs of liver inflammation or infection. It can also help assess liver size, shape, and function, providing important information for diagnosing or monitoring conditions such as fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.