Liver Ultrasound

A liver ultrasound can show liver size, shape, texture, cysts, masses, bile duct changes, gallstones, fluid, and signs that may suggest fatty liver or cirrhosis.

A liver ultrasound may be recommended for abnormal liver enzymes, right upper abdominal pain, jaundice, suspected fatty liver, hepatitis monitoring, cirrhosis concerns, or abnormal exam findings.

A primary care doctor can order an ultrasound, but a gastroenterologist or liver specialist can connect the imaging result with symptoms, labs, risk factors, and follow-up care.

Ultrasound can suggest fatty liver or signs of cirrhosis, but additional blood tests, elastography, FibroScan, CT, MRI, or specialist evaluation may be needed.

Many patients are asked to avoid food or drink for several hours before the test. Follow the instructions from your ordering clinic or imaging facility.

Cost depends on the facility, insurance plan, deductible, and whether the ultrasound is medically necessary. Contact the clinic and your insurance plan for an estimate.

Many insurance plans cover a liver ultrasound when it is medically necessary and properly ordered. Coverage, copays, deductibles, and prior authorization requirements vary.

A liver ultrasound can identify some suspicious liver lesions or masses, but it may not detect every cancer. CT, MRI, labs, or biopsy may be needed for confirmation.

Accuracy depends on the condition being evaluated, body habitus, image quality, and the experience of the imaging team. It is useful but not always definitive.

Ultrasound uses sound waves and no radiation. CT uses X-rays and provides more detailed cross-sectional images, especially for masses, bleeding, trauma, or complex findings.