Liver Scan

Put Your Liver Health First With A Routine Liver Scan

What is a Liver Scan?

A Liver Scan is a Health Canada approved diagnostic test used to check liver scarring and damage. The procedure utilizes specialized ultrasound machines to perform shear wave elastography, a technique similar to a standard ultrasound that measures both liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat accumulation (steatosis) . The test is quick, completely painless, non-invasive, and provides a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy.

A medical specialist may suggest scheduling a liver scan if you are managing any of the following conditions:

  • Autoimmune Hepatitis
  • Hepatitis A, B, or C
  • Alcohol or drug use
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
  • Alcoholic liver disease
  • Diabetes
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • A previous ultrasound positive for a fatty liver
Liver Scan Machine

What is the Difference Between a Liver Scan and an Ultrasound?

  • Liver scans and ultrasounds both use ultrasound technology to look inside your body.
  • Neither test uses any type of harmful radiation.
  • However, liver scans utilize a highly specialized type of ultrasound to provide exact measurements.
  • While ultrasounds can provide a visual image of your liver structure, liver scans can determine precise amounts of liver fat and stiffness.

What Happens During a Liver Scan?

Liver scans are painless and do not require sedation:

  • You will lie on your back with your right arm raised above your head.
  • Gel is applied to the skin over the area being examined.
  • The liver scan device is placed on the skin between the ribs.
  • The exam typically takes 5–10 minutes to complete.
  • There is no recovery time, and you can return to normal activities immediately after your appointment.

What to Bring to Your Appointment

To your exam please bring your:

  • Doctor's referral or requisition form (if required)
  • Health card or government ID
  • List of medications you are currently taking
  • Comfortable clothing without metal or jewelry

Preparing for Your Liver Scan

  • Do not eat or drink anything 3 hours before your test.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry or metal accessories.

What Do the Results Mean?

The liver scan will provide you with:

  • CAP Score: the total amount of fat accumulated in your liver
  • Fibrosis Score: the amount of scarring in your liver
  • A CAP score of 5% or lower is a healthy liver
  • A fibrosis score between 2 and 6 kPa indicates normal results

Is a Liver Scan All I Need to Track My Liver Health?

Liver scans may not be all that is needed to evaluate your liver health.

Your healthcare provider may use other tests in addition to liver scans such as:

  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasounds
  • CT scan or MRI
  • Other imaging tests
  • Biopsies

Your scan will be reviewed by a qualified medical specialist. The result will be sent to your referring physician, who will discuss them with you and recommend any next steps if needed.

Are You a Doctor?

You can refer your patients to us using the forms below

Download and Fill Electronically Print Blank Requisition