An ultrasound scan is sound wave imaging to scan the workings of body organs. It is also known as USG or sonography. 

A liver ultrasound scan is a specific radiology examination under nuclear medicine. It is applied for identifying certain conditions of the liver or determining the function of the liver. It is applied also for verifying the response of certain conditions to treatment. It is also referred to as a liver-spleen scan because the spleen is also investigated due to its functional intimate relation to the liver. 

Generally, the question is, why does the doctor suggest a liver ultrasound? What is the process and preparation? And what are the risk factors as well as advantages? So, in this blog, we will tell you each question that comes into your mind when the doctor suggests you for a liver ultrasound. 

Why Would a Doctor Suggest a Liver Ultrasound? 

There are several reasons for your doctor to suggest a liver ultrasound: 

• To diagnose diseases such as liver cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, hepatitis, cysts of the liver, tumors, cysts of the spleen, etc.
• In order to evaluate the condition of the liver and/or spleen after unexplained abdominal pain. 
• To assess the status of the liver and spleen following abdominal trauma. 
• The ability to see the enlargement of the liver or spleen. 
• To assess response to therapy for liver issues. 
• To monitor the course of liver disease. 
• To identify portal hypertension and many others. 

What Are the Advantages of a Liver Ultrasound?

When your physician orders a liver ultrasound, then when you have it done, your doctor will use your radiology report to make an important decision for your diagnosis to go on to the next treatment. Having proper tests gives assistance in properly evaluating the disease. It is also beneficial for your physicians to check whether follow-up treatment or screening is required and whether it’s progressing or not. If you are experiencing anxiety regarding your test, a precise liver ultrasound provides an excellent means of gaining further insight into your diagnosis and reassurance. 

Process of Liver Ultrasound 

We will now outline the procedure step by step. Usually, the following procedure is done: 

• The liver ultrasound itself is not painful. But staying still for an extended period of time for the whole procedure may result in some pain or discomfort. Hence, the technician will typically utilize all available measures of comfort to complete the procedure as soon as possible and minimize any pain or discomfort. 
• The technician will instruct you to undress and wear a patient gown. 
• You will be asked to remove any metal items such as jewelry, dentures, watches, hairpins, bracelets, etc., that could interfere with the procedure.  
• The technician will place an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand for the radionuclide injection. 
• Following the administration of the radionuclide into your vein, you will be requested to wait since the radionuclide will be permitted to accumulate in the liver tissue for at least 30 minutes. 

• As the scanner orbits, you will be requested to remain extremely still on the scan table by a technician because motion during scanning may shift the scan quality. 
• To capture the gamma rays being released from the radionuclide inside the tissues of the liver, the scanner will be positioned over the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. 
• To get images of all the liver’s surfaces, you might be asked to move during the scan. 
• The IV line will be pulled by the technician once the scan is complete. 

What Are the Preparations That Are Needed for a Liver Ultrasound? 

The test preparations differ according to the part of the body that is being examined. Now we will discuss the general preparation for the test: 

• If you are pregnant or if you are considering family planning, kindly let the technician know and kindly see your doctor prior to making an appointment. 
• If you are lactating, then inform the technician prior to booking a scan due to the possibility of contaminating the breast milk with the tracer.
• You will be asked to undress and wear a patient gown and also to remove all piercings and metal objects because they may disrupt the procedure. 
• No sedation or fasting is needed prior to a liver scan. 
• If you have any allergies or sensitivity to medications, iodine, or contrast dye, please do not forget to let the technician know before the exam. 
• According to your medical history, the physician can order special preparation. 

Risks Involved in Liver Ultrasound 

There are no long-term risks involved. But in certain situations, some short-term risks can happen, such as 

• Allergic reactions to the radionuclide are uncommon, but in certain patients, they can happen. 
• Pain or discomfort due to prolonged recumbency for the scan. 

Aftercare of Lung Ultrasound 

• In order to prevent any dizziness or headache, get up slowly from the scanner table. 
• For roughly 24 hours following the procedure, drink plenty of liquids and urinate frequently to clear the remaining radionuclide from your system. 
• If you feel any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site after your procedure, you should report it to the technician/doctor. 

Conclusion 

A liver ultrasound is a scan that is used to see the abnormalities in the liver by using sound waves. It is a specific radiology examination under nuclear medicine. It helps to determine the functioning of the liver. Understanding the need, recommendations, advantages, and risk involvement is as important as understanding the side effects of ultrasound. Information can help you to prepare for the liver ultrasound.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. Is fasting compulsory before the liver ultrasound scan? 

Yes, fasting is recommended by healthcare providers. At least 6-12 hours prior to the procedure. 

Q. What are the other names of ultrasound? 

Ultrasound is also known as sonography or ultrasonography.  

Q. How to book a liver ultrasound online? 

To book a liver ultrasound online, you can go through Carebox; here you can easily find the best imaging center near you. Click here to book your liver ultrasound in just 4 easy steps.  

Q. Can I drink water before the liver ultrasound? 

You should ask your healthcare provider if you should or shouldn’t drink water prior to a liver ultrasound because it will influence how accurate the scan will be, particularly if it is assessing liver stiffness.  

Q. How long does a liver ultrasound take? 

An ultrasound of the liver takes around 15-30 minutes, and it also depends on other factors. 

Why Would a Pregnant Woman Require a Level 2 Ultrasound?  

If something is of concern to your doctor or if something abnormal is observed through the level II ultrasound, a consultation will be arranged so you can learn about complications as well as what risks could develop. Your doctor may then let you know that further tests need to be performed and also see a Northwell maternal medicine specialist to benefit from state-of-the-art high-risk pregnancy care. 

Interesting Facts on Level 2 Ultrasound in Pregnancy 

Some interesting facts about level 2 ultrasound are here we’re going to discuss :

• The method of Level-2 Ultrasound is secure and safe, and in case a lady is suggested for this test, no fear, because this test is suggested merely as a measure of added protection. 
• Age constraint is on or above 35, as this age is more prone to pregnancy-related frailty; therefore, in such a condition, a doctor undertakes extra attention and care here. A doctor can recommend Level-2 Ultrasound in this context. 
• Level-2 ultrasound is performed to monitor the status and treat the condition at the earliest, especially if there is an inherited or familial issue. Hence, the most crucial thing that a pregnant woman and her family have to do is remain healthy during pregnancy. 
• Level-2 ultrasound is used to check the outcome and resolve it as early as possible, particularly if there is any hereditary or family history issue. Therefore, the first concern of a pregnant woman and her family should be having a proper diet during pregnancy. 

Why Are Level Two Ultrasound Tests Performed During Pregnancy? 

During pregnancy, Level Two Ultrasound is employed to obtain pictures of the baby from head to toe and pictures of the baby’s small organs in the womb. The technique also checks the number of fingers, arm length, bone radius, and the structure of the brain, heart, and kidneys. To examine the umbilical cord, which has two arteries and one vein and is taken to be a normal umbilical cord appearance. This method is also used to examine and evaluate umbilical cord parameters such as length and amniotic fluid level. 

Heart defects, trisomy 13, trisomy 18, and Down syndrome are some of the other things taken into account. A couple and family must be very careful and watch their health at this point in time.  

All the other tests that you can arrange at the best imaging and diagnostic center: Book your pregnancy tests through Carebox and find the best imaging center for your pregnancy tests in Delhi. 

Conclusion 

Level 2 Ultrasound is completely safe and doesn’t cause any radiation. In addition, it only takes a little time to diagnose the patient. Because too much exposure to ultrasound is harmful, a doctor plans a cycle of ultrasound treatment only when needed since too much exposure to ultrasound is harmful. But the entire motive of Level-2 Ultrasound is to reduce stress and tension among couples or the level of stress of the expecting woman, so as a professional physician, I assure you that you may put any question on ultrasound because talking will remove your doubts for better treatment. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is a Level 2 ultrasound test? 

Level 2 ultrasound is a special ultrasound that is performed on women to observe the progress of the fetus.  

Q. How long does a Level 2 ultrasound take? 

Get your seat ready for the show. Level 2 scans last between 30 and 45 minutes. The rest of the details will be explained to you by your perinatologist and practitioner, and you will likely be given one or two sonogram photos. 

Q. How should I prepare for my second ultrasound? 

Before the test, at least 90 minutes before, void your bladder, and one hour before the test, consume one 8-ounce glass of liquid (water, milk, coffee, etc.). Having two-piece clothes allows us to access your abdomen without asking you to take them off. You may eat a normal meal beforehand for the fetal ultrasound. 

Q. What is done during a level 2 ultrasound? 

During the level II ultrasound, your doctor will evaluate your baby’s organs, brain, umbilical cord, sex, and other items. The level II ultrasound is used to measure the level of amniotic fluid and your baby’s heart rate and size; it can also measure any birth defects that may be identifiable with this test. 

Q. What is the best week for a level 2 ultrasound? 

How Frequently the Test Is Performed During Your Pregnancy. The majority of women receive a level II ultrasound at ages 18 to 20 weeks.