An ultrasound scan is a sound wave imaging procedure to study the functioning of body organs. It is also referred to as USG or Sonography.
Liver ultrasound scanning is a specialized radiology test which falls under the category of nuclear medicine. It is employed to detect specific liver conditions or determine liver function. It is also employed in monitoring the status of treatment of some conditions. It is also referred to as a liver-spleen scan since the spleen is also scanned due to its functional similarity to the liver.
Typically, the question is, why do physicians order a liver ultrasound, how does it proceed and prepare, and what are the risk factors as well as advantages? So, on this blog, we will describe all the questions that arise in your mind when the physician orders you for Liver Ultrasound.
Why Would A Doctor Order Liver Ultrasound?
There are several reasons why your physician should order a liver ultrasound.
- To identify the diseases such as Liver Cancer, Cirrhosis of the liver, Hepatitis, cyst of the liver, Tumours, Cyst of the spleen etc.
- To access the status of the liver or spleen after the abdominal pain which is unexplained
- To assess the status of liver and spleen after trauma of abdomen.
- To visualize the enlargement of the liver or spleen.
- To assess response to therapy for liver disease.
- To follow the course of the liver disease.
- To diagnose portal hypertension and numerous others.
What Are The Advantages Of A Liver Ultrasound?
When your physician prescribes Liver Ultrasound and you undergo it, then your radiology report will be used by your doctor to make a crucial decision regarding your diagnosis to go ahead with further treatment. Having proper tests gives assistance in correctly evaluating the disease. It is also beneficial for your physicians to decide if follow-up screening or treatment is required and if it’s proceeding fine or not. If you feel anxious about your test, a precise liver ultrasound provides an excellent method to have a better understanding of your diagnosis and calmness.
What Is The Process of Liver Ultrasound?
Now let’s talk about the process in detail. Normally, the below-mentioned process is adhered to the ultrasound of the liver itself does not hurt. But staying in one position for a long time during the entire procedure may lead to some pain or discomfort. So, therefore, the technician normally employs all possible comfort measures to finish the process as early as possible and to avoid any pain or discomfort.
- The technician will request you to take off garments and put on a patient gown.
- You will be requested to take off any metal objects such as jewelry, denture, watch, hair pins, bracelets etc. which might cause interference during the procedure.
- The technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand for radionuclide injection.
- Then after the injection of the radionuclide into the vein, you will be requested to wait since the radionuclide will be permitted to concentrate within the liver tissue for at least 30 minutes.
- Throughout the scan, you will be asked by a technician to remain still on a scanning table since movement during scanning can compromise the quality of the scan.
- To capture the gamma rays released by the radionuclide in liver tissue, The scanner will be positioned over the right upper quadrant of the abdomen.
- To get images of all the surfaces of the liver, you will need to be asked to move during the scan.
- The IV line will be taken out by the technician When the scan is finished.
- Preparation for the test
- Test preparation differs based on the body part that is scanned.
What Are The Preparation for the Liver Ultrasound Test?
- If you are pregnant or considering family planning, please let the technician know and please talk to your doctor prior to scheduling the test.
- If you are lactating, then you need to inform the technician prior to scheduling the scan due to the danger of breast milk contamination from the tracer.
- You will be required to switch into a patient gown and remove all piercings along with metallic objects since they can have an impact on the procedure.
- No fasting or sedation is needed prior to a liver scan.
- If you are sensitive or allergic to any medication, iodine or contrast dye, kindly don’t forget to inform the technician prior to the exam.
- According to your medical history, the physician could order other special preparation.
What Are The Risks Involved In Ultrasound?
- There are no long-term risks involved. But in certain situations, some short-term risks may happen.
- Allergic reactions against the radionuclide are uncommon but in certain patients, these can be seen.
- Pain or discomfort because of lying down for an extended period for the scan.
- Post Scan Instruction
- To prevent dizziness or headache, get up slowly from the scanner bed.
- For roughly 24 hours following the procedure, Drink lots of fluids and keep urinating frequently to remove the residual radionuclide from your system.
- If you experience pain, redness, or swelling in the IV area following your procedure, you should alert the technician/physician.
Conclusion
Ultrasound of the liver is a safe, non-invasive and effective imaging study for the diagnosis and monitoring of many liver and spleen conditions. It requires little preparation and when done appropriately, the risks are few and far between. While it does not provide a complete picture, it can provide important information for guiding treatment. If you have any concerns, instructions or questions, discuss them with your doctor so you can have the best experience possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a whole abdomen USG?
USG whole abdomen is a non-invasive imaging diagnostic test that uses sound waves to assist in the diagnosis of disorders and diseases in the whole abdomen cavity.
Q. What does a USG whole abdomen show?
USG whole abdomen is used to help show abnormalities in the liver, kidneys, spleen, gall bladder, abdominal aorta and visible foetus in pregnant patients.
Q. What is the difference between USG whole abdomen and a PET scan?
USG whole abdomen uses high-intensity sound waves to identify abnormalities in the abdomen cavity while PET scans use radioactive tracers for the detection of abnormalities in the whole abdomen cavity.
Q. When to go for a USG whole abdomen?
Patients can go for a USG whole abdomen to evaluate abnormalities in the whole abdomen. (click for screening)
Q. How long does a USG whole abdomen take?
The USG whole abdomen usually lasts 30-60 minutes and also depends on which ultrasound procedure the patient requires.
Q. Is a USG whole abdomen painful?
It is a painless procedure when performed, some patients may feel discomfort when the probe moves across the body skin.
