Liver ultrasound
A standard ultrasound that shows fatty liver, gallstones and other changes in the liver and nearby organs.
TypeScan · Ultrasound
HowGel and a probe on your abdomen for about 20 minutes.
How oftenWhen results or symptoms call for it.
BeforeFast for about 6 hours.
WhoPeople with raised liver tests or right-sided abdominal pain.
What an ultrasound can — and can’t - see
Ultrasound shows the liver’s size, texture, fat and gallstones, with no radiation. It’s a good first look, but it can’t measure scarring well.
Ultrasound
“Is there fat or a lump?”
Shows fat, gallstones and structural changes.
First look
Blood tests
“Is the liver inflamed?”
Liver enzymes and scores estimate damage.
Function
FibroScan
“Is there scarring?”
Measures stiffness - the key question in fatty liver. Learn more.
Scarring
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your liver enzymes are raised.
- You have right-sided abdominal pain.
- Your provider wants to look for gallstones or other changes.
A better option if…
- You mainly want to know about scarring - FibroScan measures stiffness directly.
How it’s measured
Abdominal ultrasound
Shows liver, gallbladder, pancreas and kidneys.
The full picture
What is it?
An ultrasound scan of the liver and surrounding organs.
What type of test is it?
An imaging test with no radiation.
What does it measure?
Liver size, texture and fat, plus gallbladder and bile ducts.
Why might someone consider it?
To look for fatty liver, gallstones and other changes.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with raised liver tests or abdominal symptoms.
How is it performed?
A probe is moved over your abdomen.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
What your liver looks like structurally.
What are its limitations?
It can’t measure scarring well and may miss mild fatty liver.
What should it be viewed with?
Liver enzymes, FibroScan and metabolic markers.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to radiology or an imaging centre.
Imaging centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Hospital programmes
Often bundle the scan with specialist advice.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Do I need an ultrasound, a FibroScan, or both?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your Liver ultrasound result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your Liver ultrasound result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test