Ultrasound of Hepatic - Elastography Shear Wave Elastography Item 3
Shear wave elastography of the liver is a non-invasive, radiation-free imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to measure the stiffness of liver tissue. This specialized ultrasound procedure takes approximately 30 minutes, requires no special preparation, and carries no risk of claustrophobia, with no contrast agents used during the exam. It is used to evaluate liver health as part of gastrointestinal system care, detecting early signs of liver damage and chronic liver disease.
This 30-minute, no-prep, radiation-free liver ultrasound test uses sound waves to measure tissue stiffness to diagnose and monitor gastrointestinal system-related liver conditions including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease.
Key facts at a glance
- Modality
- us
- Body part
- abdomen · hepatic
- Ionizing radiation
- false
- Radiation dose
- 0
- Duration (min)
- 30
- Pregnancy safe
- true
- Pediatric safe
- true
- Breastfeeding safe
- true
- Claustrophobia risk
- none
- Metal implant safe
- safe
- Sedation
- none
- Result turnaround
- 24-48h
- Availability
- routine
- Setting
- outpatient
- Cost tier
- moderate
What Is Shear Wave Elastography of the Liver?
This specialized ultrasound exam works by sending high-frequency sound waves into your liver, which generate small shear waves that travel through liver tissue. The speed at which these waves move is measured to calculate how stiff your liver tissue is: stiffer tissue is a sign of liver damage, scarring (fibrosis), or advanced liver disease. Unlike other imaging tests, this procedure does not use ionizing radiation, intravenous contrast agents, or require you to lie in a confined space, and it takes roughly 30 minutes to complete with no special preparation needed beforehand.
Clinical Applications for Gastrointestinal System Care
This test is ordered to support diagnosis and monitoring of gastrointestinal system-related liver conditions, including early detection of liver fibrosis from chronic hepatitis B or C, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) linked to metabolic and gastrointestinal health, alcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune liver conditions that affect the digestive tract. It is also used to track the progression of cirrhosis, evaluate how well treatment for chronic liver disease is working, and screen for liver damage in people with long-term gastrointestinal conditions like inflammatory bowel disease that may impact liver function. The results help your care team adjust treatment plans to protect your liver and overall gastrointestinal health.
How to read the report
- Results reviewed by radiologist.
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