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Preparation for liver ultrasound

Alexey Kryvenko, medical expert
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025

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Preparing the patient for liver ultrasound. It is advisable to fast for 8 hours before the examination. If there is a risk of dehydration of the patient, then clean water can be given. In an emergency, the examination can be performed without preparation. Children - if clinical conditions allow - should not eat or drink anything for 3 hours before the examination.

In many patients, additional information can be obtained by performing abdominal radiography in a direct projection with the patient in the supine position. In the presence of acute pain, radiography should be performed with the patient standing, and the diaphragmatic area should also be examined to exclude the presence of subdiaphragmatic air from a perforated hollow organ.

Patient position: The patient lies on his back. Apply the gel randomly first to the right upper abdomen, then to the rest of the abdomen as the examination progresses.
Selecting a sensor: For adults, use a 3.5 MHz sensor; for children and thin adults, use a 5 MHz sensor.
Adjusting the sensitivity of the device.

The sensitivity level of the device is set so that the diaphragm is clearly visible; the liver (if normal) should appear homogeneous throughout its depth. Clear visualization of normal tubular structures (portal vein with bright contours and hepatic veins without bright contours) should be possible. Hepatic arteries or bile ducts are not visualized unless they are dilated.

Before scanning a specific area, ask the patient to inhale and hold their breath.

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