Hepatic Ultrasound Elastography for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Assessment
This non-invasive, radiation-free ultrasound-based exam evaluates stiffness of hepatic (liver) tissue, a key indicator of fibrosis progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a prevalent metabolic liver condition falling under the gastrointestinal system’s scope of care. The test delivers low-frequency mechanical shear waves to the liver parenchyma, with built-in ultrasound sensors measuring the speed of wave propagation through tissue to calculate a quantitative elasticity score without requiring contrast agents or ionizing radiation. Gastroenterology and hepatology teams use these scores to stage NAFLD-related liver damage, track disease progression over serial testing intervals, and tailor lifestyle modifications or pharmacologic treatments for patients with metabolic risk factors including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and elevated triglycerides.
This radiation-free, non-invasive ultrasound elastography test measures liver tissue stiffness to stage fibrosis and monitor progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a common gastrointestinal system metabolic liver disorder.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- us
- Body part
- abdomen · hepatic
- Ionizing radiation
- false
- Radiation dose
- 0
- Duration (min)
- 30
- Preparation
- fasting-6h
- Pregnancy safe
- true
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- LOINC
- 80513-0
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- moderate
Understanding Ultrasound of liver
Ultrasound Imaging provides detailed visualization of liver. This non-invasive technique uses safe technology to capture real-time images.
Clinical Indications
This diagnostic examination detects abnormalities, guides treatment decisions, and monitors known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes. The examination is painless and non-invasive.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by board-certified radiologist.
- Report transmitted to referring physician.
What Is This Procedure?
This ultrasound evaluates hepatic, specifically liver. No radiation exposure.
What Does It Show?
Detailed images of liver. Part of the gastrointestinal system.
Common Uses
This exam is commonly used to detect abnormalities, guide treatments, and monitor known conditions.
What to Expect
The procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.
Severe pain at procedure site
urgentWorsening severe pain with fever or other symptoms. Go to urgent care or ER.
Mild symptoms after procedure
promptMild discomfort or symptoms that don't improve. Contact your doctor.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 9, 2026. · Read our editorial policy