Liver elastography is a quick, painless ultrasound exam that measures how stiff your liver is. Because scarring makes liver tissue stiffer, that measurement tells your gastroenterologist how much fibrosis is present, information that used to require a liver biopsy. At the Gastro Center of Maryland, our board-certified specialists use elastography to diagnose liver conditions earlier and to follow how your liver responds to treatment over time.
What is liver elastography?
Liver elastography is performed with an ultrasound probe placed on the skin over your ribcage on the right side. The probe sends a gentle pulse into the liver and measures how quickly it travels through the tissue. Stiffer tissue carries the pulse faster, so the result gives your provider a reliable estimate of scarring, and in many cases an estimate of how much fat is stored in the liver as well.
Nothing is inserted into your body, no needles are used, and no sedation is needed. You lie on your back with your right arm raised, the exam takes about 30 minutes, and you can drive yourself home and return to your normal day right afterward.
Why might I need liver elastography?
Your provider may recommend this exam if you have, or are at risk for, a condition that can scar the liver over time. Common reasons include:
- Fatty liver disease (NAFLD or MASLD) and metabolic risk factors
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Persistently abnormal liver blood tests
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Autoimmune liver conditions
- Known cirrhosis or fibrosis that needs monitoring over time
- Follow-up to see whether treatment or lifestyle changes are working
What do the results tell my doctor?
Your result places the amount of scarring in your liver on a scale, from little or no fibrosis through to advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. That number helps your gastroenterologist decide how closely your liver needs to be monitored, whether treatment should be started or adjusted, and whether any additional testing is worthwhile. Because the exam is easy to repeat, comparing results over months or years is often more valuable than any single measurement.
How do I schedule liver elastography?
Liver elastography is performed at our Columbia office in Suite 100, on Mondays and Fridays. This exam requires prior authorization from your insurance before your visit, so appointments must be scheduled at least two weeks in advance. We are not able to offer same-day appointments or add this exam onto another visit at short notice.
A $40 upfront fee is collected from insured patients before the exam. If you do not have insurance, the cost will be no more than $130.11. Our staff will confirm your coverage and go over what you can expect to pay when you schedule.
