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What liver elastography measures
Liver elastography, also known as transient elastography, is an ultrasound-based scan. A probe rests against the skin over the liver and sends a gentle pulse and sound waves through the tissue. The device measures liver stiffness, which can be a marker of scarring, and may also estimate liver fat using a reading called the controlled attenuation parameter.
Together, these readings help build a clearer picture of liver health. They can help show not only whether fat may be present, but whether the liver has early signs of stiffness or scarring that may need monitoring. It is a way of gathering more information without a hospital procedure.
Why a non-invasive option matters
Blood tests are a common and useful first step in checking for liver disease. On their own, though, they have limits. Liver readings can stay within the normal range even when more advanced disease is present, and they do not measure how much fat has built up, or reliably show how much scarring has developed.
A scan that measures liver stiffness and estimates liver fat can add information that blood tests alone do not provide. This is especially relevant because fatty liver disease is common and usually silent. Fatty liver disease is common and usually silent. Around one in three Australian adults has some degree of fatty liver, and it usually does not cause symptoms. Because of that, it is often picked up only when a blood test or a scan done for another reason points to it.
Assessment may include blood tests, ultrasound, CT or MRI, and, in some cases, a liver biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of liver tissue. Elastography adds a non-invasive option to that toolkit. Non-invasive tests like this aim to reduce, though not entirely replace, the need for biopsy. For many people, that means a clearer view of liver health with less involved testing.
Who might consider liver elastography
This scan may be relevant if you have risk factors linked to fatty liver, now medically known as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), the term adopted in a global consensus in 2023. Common risk factors include:
- Excess weight, particularly around the middle.
- Type 2 diabetes or raised blood sugar.
- Raised cholesterol or triglycerides.
- High blood pressure.
- A sedentary lifestyle.
- Higher alcohol intake, especially when combined with metabolic risk factors.
Having one or more of these does not mean you have liver damage. It means a liver health check may be worth discussing with your GP or specialist. Whether elastography is appropriate for you is a clinical decision, and individual results vary.
What to expect during the scan
The appointment is straightforward. You lie on your back while a probe is placed on the skin over the right side of your ribcage. You may feel a light tapping sensation as the readings are taken. The scan does not involve a needle, an injection, radiation or sedation, and there is no recovery period afterwards, so you can return to your usual activities straight away.
The measurement itself takes only a few minutes. If any preparation is needed beforehand, such as not eating for a short time, our team will let you know when you book, and your specialist will explain what the readings mean for you.
How your results are used
Our gastroenterologists interpret elastography readings alongside your medical history, blood tests and risk factors. You may also have seen the term hepatologist, which simply means a doctor who specialises in liver disease. Our gastroenterologists, who also specialise in hepatology, diagnose and manage a wide range of liver conditions, including fatty liver disease. A referral from your GP is the first step to accessing specialist liver care.
A single scan is one part of the picture rather than a diagnosis on its own. Depending on what the results show, your specialist may recommend monitoring over time, lifestyle and dietary support, management of related conditions such as diabetes or cholesterol, or further assessment. Our Accredited Practising Dietitians can also provide tailored dietary support where that is helpful.
Where you can have the scan and what it costs
Liver elastography is available at selected Centre for Gastrointestinal Health locations across greater Sydney.
On cost, the scan is offered as a $200 flat fee that includes the scan and the consultation. If you have a valid GP referral, you’ll be eligible for a Medicare rebate, meaning there are no out-of-pocket costs for both the consultation and scan.
How to arrange a liver health assessment
If you are concerned about your liver health, or you have risk factors for fatty liver, the sensible first step is a conversation with your GP, who can advise whether a liver assessment is appropriate and arrange a referral. You are also welcome to contact The Centre for Gastrointestinal Health to ask about liver elastography and how it fits with our broader Liver Disease Management care. You can also read more about the condition in our article on understanding fatty liver disease.
This page is general information only and is not a substitute for personalised medical advice. It does not take your individual circumstances into account. Whether liver elastography is suitable for you is a decision to make with your GP or specialist. Please speak with a qualified health professional about your own liver health.
