sonar or radar. Probably the best-known way to use ultrasound is to look at babies in the womb. The soundwaves cannot be heard, they 'bounce' off your organs back to the probe (which looks a little bit like a microphone) on your tummy. From there the computer will change these to images on a monitor on the ultrasound machine. You may be asked to conform to some dietary requirements so that your organs can be clearly seen. The ultrasound department will let you know what you need to do when you get your appointment. Normally it is to not eat for 4 - 6 hours before the scan; you may be allowed to drink still water depending on the scan. If you are diabetic and worried, the department will be very happy to answer questions. When scanning your liver the sonographer will put some water based jelly on your tummy. It would be a good idea to wear loose clothing that can be pulled out of the way of your tummy. All your clothes will be pushed aside and large paper towels will be put in place to protect them. The jelly will wash out easily if it does get on your clothes. The sonographer will then use the probe to look at the organs and tissues in your body, using the jelly to glide over your skin. The sonographer will tell you to hold your breath when necessary and what position to move to as necessary. They will take pictures from the monitor they use to see your organs; often taking measurements of organs surrounding the liver and measuring the blood ow through your liver. Sometimes the sonographer will have to press hard on your tummy, but this will not last long and is not too painful. Once the scan is nished you can use the paper towel to wipe your tummy and then you go home. The sonographer will give a written report to the doctor/consultant who sent you for the scan. Using ultrasound to scan you is considered harmless and has been used since the early 1970s without any incidents of harm caused by the ultrasound waves.
measures the stiffness of your liver (the liver elasticity). If your liver is damaged brous tissue forms and makes your liver stiffer than normal.
Acknowledgement: Some of the information contained in this leaflet may also appear elsewhere. We are very grateful to Radiographer Chris Woodgate; DCR, PgC, PgD, MSc QSI Partner at the RCR & College of Radiographers (retired) for writing this LIVErNORTH publication for the benefit of liver patients.
4. FibroScan This is a scan which is usually performed in out-patients by a specialist nurse or doctor, although it can be done through your GP if they have the equipment. It
LIVErNORTH can help you. As well as having many of the Freeman’s health professionals as members, we have access to extensive information on all liver diseases and treatments - contact info@livernorth.org.uk or call 0191 37002961
Like having an ultrasound, it would be a good idea to wear loose clothing that can be pulled out of the way of your tummy. Similar to an ultrasound, a probe will be placed on your tummy just on or below your ribs on the righthand side. The probe will remain stationary and use high powered soundwaves to measure how stiff your liver is. It is painless and about 10 readings may be taken to get an accurate reading. The process takes about 10 minutes, after which you will be free to go. The results will be sent to the doctor who referred you.
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SCANNING A SHORT GUIDE
Scanning A short guide
5. DEXA This is a bone density scan used to show how dense (strong) your bones are. Some patients (not all) with advanced cirrhosis may have osteopenia (lower bone density) or osteoporosis (which is where the bones are weakened and may break). The scan uses low dose xrays to look at the bones in your hip joints and your spine. The radiographer will ask you to lie on the x-ray bed/table and will ask you to put your heels apart with your toes touching to get the best images of your hips. They will position the x-ray machine over your hips and take a picture, then move it to over your spine to take a picture. The images are then measured by the computer to establish the density of the bones. It is painless and you will be able to go straight home after. The results will be sent to the doctor who requested the scan.
NORTH
LIVER PATIENT SUPPORT
information leaflet 19 v1 April 23