USG Scan - Liver Test

In USG scan of the liver, high-frequency sound waves are used to create a live image from inside of a patient’s body. It is a painless, non-invasive test which is very commonly used in the medical field. The USG scan makes the use of sound waves instead of radiation and is considered a safe scan. The method is quite often used during pregnancy. A USG scan diagnoses problems which are related to soft tissue, blood vessels, and internal organ structures within the body. Although it is most commonly used during pregnancy, it is also used to examine various other parts of pancreas, kidneys, bladder, liver, gallbladder and many other internal structures.

It is advisable to check your appointment letter to know about how to prepare for the scanning procedure. You also need to carry your prescription letter from your doctor for your appointment. You also need to fast and stop eating for at least 6-8 hours before the scanning. You need to inform the technician regarding the underlying medication or any sort of allergies before undergoing liver USG scan. You also need to drink a plenty of water before the scan so that you have a comfortably full bladder. You can have your regular medicines unless your doctor tells to stop that before the scanning.

A liver USG scan may be ordered for multiple reasons. It can be used if you have been experiencing any kind of pain, swelling or other abnormalities which require an internal view of the organs. It is used as a guide for the surgeons and doctors during the biopsy procedure. The test is quite useful in planning for certain types of surgery and therapy especially to determine whether the body is responding effectively to the treatment or not. The test is also used to check for certain cancers in various different ways which include lumps or growths or abnormal tumors.

When you enter the scanning room, you will be asked to change into a gown. The sonographer will then remove the clothes from the area that will be scanned. An ultrasound gel will be spread over the whole area and the sonographer will use a microphone against the area for scanning. He will move the microphone here and there over the part of the body. You will be able to feel some pressure. All the possible images of the internal structures will appear on the screen. The radiologist will analyze the images. The result will be available to you within 24 hours and then can be taken to consult the doctor. The whole procedure takes around 10-15 minutes.