Liver Shear Wave Elastography
Pricing: £350
Why Choose This Scan?: Liver Shear Wave Elastography is a cutting-edge, non-invasive diagnostic tool designed to assess the stiffness (elasticity) of your liver tissue. This scan is essential for identifying signs of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease—conditions that can cause irreversible damage if left untreated. Unlike traditional liver biopsies, Shear Wave Elastography is quick, safe, and pain-free, providing valuable information about liver health without the need for invasive procedures.
If you have conditions like chronic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol use, or are at risk for liver cirrhosis, this test provides crucial insight into the stage of liver damage and helps guide treatment decisions.
What Does This Scan Check?:
- Liver Fibrosis: A key marker of chronic liver damage, fibrosis refers to the scarring of liver tissue. The stiffness of the liver correlates with the extent of fibrosis.
- Cirrhosis: In advanced stages of liver disease, cirrhosis occurs as the liver becomes severely scarred and less able to function.
- Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a common condition that can lead to fibrosis if not managed. Elastography can measure how much fatty tissue has accumulated in the liver.
What to Expect During the Scan?:
- Duration: The procedure is quick, typically taking around 10–15 minutes.
- Non-Invasive: The scan is completely non-invasive, with no needles or incisions. A small probe is placed on your abdomen, which uses low-frequency sound waves to measure the stiffness of your liver tissue.
- Simple Procedure: You will lie on your back during the scan. The probe sends shear waves through the liver tissue, and the speed at which the waves travel is measured. The faster the waves travel, the stiffer the liver tissue, which can indicate more severe fibrosis.
- Painless and Comfortable: The procedure is comfortable, with no discomfort for most patients, aside from the slight pressure from the probe.
How to Prepare for the Scan:
- Fasting: To improve accuracy, it is recommended to fast for at least 4 hours before the test. This allows for better visualization and a more accurate reading of liver stiffness.
- No Special Medications or Restrictions: There are no specific restrictions regarding medications or other activities before the scan. You can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Liver Shear Wave Elastography is an excellent way to assess the health and function of your liver without the need for invasive procedures. It provides early detection of liver fibrosis and other conditions, helping to monitor progressive liver diseases.
