Fatty Liver Scan

Put Your Liver Health First With A Routine Fatty Liver Scan

What is a Fatty Liver Scan?

Fatty Liver scans are an FDA-approved diagnostic tool used to assess liver damage and scarring. It utilizes advanced shear-wave technology similar to a standard ultrasound and measures two key indicators of liver health: liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat accumulation (steatosis). This 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 fatty 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
Liver Scan Machine

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

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

What Happens During a Liver Scan?

Fatty 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 Fatty 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 Fatty 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 less means your liver is healthy. Checking this score every 3-6 months helps track whether liver fat is decreasing or increasing over time.
  • A fibrosis score between 2 and 6 kPa indicates normal results. Checking this score every 3-6 months helps track whether liver scarring is decreasing or increasing over time.

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

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

Your healthcare provider may use other tests in addition to fatty 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

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