Liver Ultrasound Scan / Liver Elastography (FibroScan)

At Ultrasound Ireland, we offer comprehensive non-invasive liver health assessments through two advanced ultrasound techniques: The Liver Ultrasound Scan and Liver Elastography Scan. Both of these services provide critical insights into liver health, helping detect and manage conditions such as liver fibrosis, fatty liver disease, and other liver-related issues.

Liver Ultrasound Scan

Exam Time: 30 minutes
Cost: €160.00

The Liver Ultrasound Scan is a quick and comprehensive way to assess liver health, offering an alternative to liver biopsy. This ultrasound evaluates liver elasticity, providing insights into conditions like liver fibrosis and fatty liver. It is especially useful for individuals at risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) due to factors such as obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or lifestyle choices.

How It Works:
A specialized ultrasound probe measures the elasticity of liver tissue, identifying possible scar tissue (fibrosis) or fat deposits. A detailed report will be provided after the scan, ensuring you're well-informed about your liver’s condition and any next steps for care.

Who Should Get a Liver Scan?
Ideal for individuals over 18, particularly those with risk factors such as:

• Weight issues (obesity or overweight)
• Type 2 diabetes
• High cholesterol or heart disease
• Sedentary lifestyle or poor diet habits

Important Precautions:

• Avoid scheduling if you've had intense physical activity, a recent illness, or a COVID-19 infection within the last 4-8 weeks.
• Fasting for 4 hours prior to your consultation is required.
• The scan is not intended for diagnosing liver cancer.

Liver Elastography Scan

Exam Time: 30-45 minutes
Cost: €295.00

Our Liver Elastography offers a more detailed examination of liver stiffness through Shear Wave Elastography technology. This method measures liver stiffness, which is crucial for identifying early signs of fatty liver disease, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. It is ideal for individuals with or at risk of conditions such as fatty liver, diabetes, hepatitis, or regular alcohol consumption.

How It Works:
Using painless low-frequency vibrations, the test generates a color map of the liver, indicating stiffness levels. This data is invaluable for diagnosing liver disease before symptoms appear, allowing for more informed decisions regarding treatment.

Why Liver Stiffness Matters:
Liver stiffness can result from fat accumulation, inflammation, or scarring, and can lead to serious conditions if left unchecked, including:

• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD or NASH)
• Fibrosis (early scarring)
• Cirrhosis (advanced scarring)
• Liver cancer

How It Differs from Standard Ultrasound and FibroScan:
Liver elastography provides detailed information on liver stiffness, unlike standard abdominal ultrasounds that focus on organs like the gallbladder and pancreas. Compared to FibroScan, shear wave elastography offers greater accuracy, reliability, and the ability to evaluate surrounding organs simultaneously.

Preparation & Procedure:

• Before the test: Avoid high-fat foods the night before and fast for 8 hours prior to the exam (clear liquids allowed).
• During the test: The procedure is non-invasive and painless. It takes 30-45 minutes and may include imaging of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen.

After the test: You can resume normal activities immediately. Results will be available within 1-2 days.

 

Service	The Liver Scan	Liver Elastography
Price	€160.00	€295.00
Duration	15-30 minutes	30-45 minutes
Purpose	Assess liver elasticity and detect early signs of fibrosis and fat deposits	Measure liver stiffness to detect fatty liver, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and early signs of liver disease
Technology	Ultrasound to assess liver elasticity	Shear Wave Elastography for detailed stiffness measurements
Who Should Consider?	Individuals with Type 2 diabetes, weight issues, heart disease, high cholesterol, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)	Individuals with or at risk of fatty liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, hepatitis, or regular alcohol use
Preparation	Fasting for 4 hours before the scan	Avoid high-fat foods the night before, fast for 8 hours prior
Included in Test	Measures elasticity of liver tissue	Detailed map and measurement of liver stiffness; can also check gallbladder and spleen
Post-Exam	Resume normal activities immediately	Resume normal activities immediately
Additional Info	Not suitable for recent illness, intense activity, or COVID-19 infection	Provides more accurate results than FibroScan technology

Why Choose Ultrasound Ireland?

At Ultrasound Ireland, we use state-of-the-art ultrasound technology to ensure accurate, comprehensive liver assessments. Whether you're looking for early detection or ongoing monitoring of liver health, our skilled team is here to provide the best care possible.

Schedule Your Liver Scan or Liver Elastography Today
Call 01 210 0232 or email hello@ultrasound.ie to take the first step towards better liver health.