Our ultrasound machine is used to measure and classify liver stiffness, or elasticity of the liver in patients with Hepatitis C – in particular increasing levels of fibrosis/hardness (loss of elasticity) that may be leading to cirrhosis.

The liver stiffness results obtained during Liver Elastography are at present applicable only to patients with Hepatitis C.

WHAT TEST DOES IT REPLACE?

• No food, drinks, smoking or chewing gum for 8 hours are required for clear visualisation of the liver and other upper abdominal organs. 
  
• No Alcohol for 12 hours prior to ultrasound. 
  
• No exercise prior to ultrasound. 
  

Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pensioner Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.

A clear jelly is applied to the skin and a small plastic probe is moved over the skin above the area being examined. Multiple images are taken throughout the exam. The sonographer will be with you throughout the scan and will usually ask questions about your medical history and the reason for the examination so that the optimal examination for your problem will be done. To get the best images can be very challenging and requires considerable time and concentration by the sonographer. At times, you may be asked to change your position or hold your breath for short periods of time.

An abdominal scan utilising elastography takes approx 30minutes depending on the complexity.

After your examination, you will be given a copy of the most pertinent images from your study. A report will be given to you with the images, or sent directly back to your referring doctor by fax or email. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.

It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.