Liver Elastography and Ultrasound: Non-Invasive

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 adults in the US has a form of liver disease. In the early stages, liver disease can be controlled and potentially reversed.

There are several ultrasound-based procedures that can detect, monitor, and manage liver disease. Unlike a traditional liver biopsy, these procedures are non-invasive and can be conducted during your normal office visit, allowing for a convenient and painless experience. A gastroenterologist may recommend a procedure for patients who demonstrate signs or symptoms of:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – Now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – Now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
• Viral Hepatitis (including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, hepatitis D, and hepatitis E)
• Cirrhosis
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Liver cancer
• And a wide range of other liver diseases, including autoimmune, hereditary, and drug-induced liver injury (DILI)

In addition to traditional abdominal ultrasound, Capital Digestive Care also offers both Velacur and FibroScan ultrasound-based elastography to assess your liver health. This technology can measure the degree of scarring (fibrosis), excess fat (steatosis), and inflammation in your liver. Your gastroenterologist will help determine which test is best for you.

Our non-invasive liver elastography and ultrasounds can be found at many Capital Digestive Care locations in the region.

• In-office ultrasound is available at the following locations
  • Norfolk, VA
  • Suffolk, VA – Harbour View
  • Virginia Beach, VA – First Colonial
• FibroScan is available at the following locations
  • Laurel, MD
  • Norfolk, VA
  • Rockville, MD – Shady Grove Road
• Velacur is available at the following locations
  • Newport News, VA
  • Norfolk, VA
  • Suffolk, VA – Harbour View
  • Suffolk, VA – Madison
  • Virginia Beach, VA – First Colonial
  • Virginia Beach, VA – Princess Anne
  • Williamsburg, VA

What to Expect

During the test, you will lie flat on an exam table. Your provider will apply gel on your skin before placing a wand on your abdomen near the ribs. You might feel pressure, but the procedure itself should be painless. A series of pulses are emitted directly into the liver to produce an image on a screen. Results are ready in real time for your provider to discuss with you.

How to Prepare

Preparation may vary. All patients will be asked to not drink, eat, smoke, or chew gum for 4 hours prior to their exam. Please come to your appointment wearing a loose-fitting top that allows for easy access to your right ribcage.