Liver ultrasound

Need to know

• What happens during your scan? icon plus

  An ultrasound takes place in a consultation room. Before the scan, your radiologist will ask you to reveal the top part of your abdomen. They will ask you to lie on your back before applying gel to the exposed area. Next, they'll gently move a small device, called a transducer, across your skin. The transducer will emit sound waves to generate detailed moving images of your liver on a screen. Your radiologist will write a report based on the images, before sending it to your GP or consultant to discuss the findings with you.

• How to prepare icon plus

  You will given guidance on the actions you should take prior to your scan, it is most likely you will be asked to avoid eating four to six hours prior to the ultrasound and you will also need to limit yourself to drinking clear liquids only during this time.

• After your scan icon plus

  A liver ultrasound takes 15-20 minutes in the consultation room. If you're visiting the hospital for this test only (as an outpatient), you'll most likely be able to go home straight away, unless you have a follow-up appointment on the same day. If you're an inpatient (staying at the hospital for treatment), your consultant or nurse will let you know what happens after the scan.
  
  Your radiologist will examine the images and prepare a report. This report will contain important information about the surface, shape and health of your liver. The report will be sent to your GP or consultant, who will discuss it with you during a follow-up appointment.