Liver Ultrasound + Elastography
Non-invasive assessment of liver tissue stiffness and fibrosis.
An advanced liver scan combining standard diagnostic ultrasound with Shear Wave Elastography to measure tissue scarring, stiffness, and fatty liver levels.
Book your liver ultrasound + elastography scan below.
Advanced Liver Fibrosis and Stiffness Screening
Liver elastography (often referred to as a Fibroscan alternative) is a modern, non-invasive imaging method used to measure the stiffness of liver tissue. Chronic liver conditions—such as fatty liver disease (NAFLD/MASLD), hepatitis, or excessive alcohol intake—can cause progressive scarring (fibrosis). Measuring stiffness helps assess the degree of fibrosis early, before it advances to cirrhosis.
At LifeScan Naxxar, we perform point-shear wave elastography (pSWE) integrated with a complete abdominal ultrasound, providing a comprehensive liver audit reported same-day by our consultant radiologists.
Diagnostic Liver Scan
Gallbladder & Spleen
We first perform a detailed gray-scale ultrasound of the upper abdomen:
- Visualizing liver size, shape, and presence of fatty liver (steatosis)
- Screening for liver cysts, haemangiomas, or suspicious focal masses
- Checking the gallbladder for stones and the spleen for enlargement (splenomegaly)
Shear Wave Elastography
Measuring Fibrosis
Using integrated elastography software, we measure tissue elasticity:
- Sending acoustic pulses to measure shear wave speed through the liver
- Quantifying liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPa) or meters per second (m/s)
- Correlating stiffness scores directly to stages of liver fibrosis (F0 to F4)
Strict Preparation Required
- Strict Fasting: Do not eat or drink anything (except plain water) for at least 6 hours prior to your scan. Consuming food causes increased blood flow to the liver, which artificially increases stiffness readings.
- Alcohol: Strictly avoid alcohol intake for 24 hours prior to the scan.
- Medications: Take daily medications normally with a small sip of water.
Transparent, Dynamic Pricing
At LifeScan Malta, we believe in transparent pricing without surprises.
Because our booking fees are dynamic and subject to adjustments, the current up-to-date scan price is displayed directly in the booking widget below.
Prices are kept current in our digital calendar system so you never have to worry about outdated price lists on our pages.
Book Your Liver Ultrasound + Elastography
Select an appointment time below. Your appointment will be handled by our consultant specialists.
Why Choose LifeScan?
Experience board-certified expertise, same-day reporting, and state-of-the-art imaging.
Advanced Shear Wave Tech
We utilize Point Shear Wave Elastography (pSWE), which is more precise than older transient elastography (Fibroscan) because the radiologist visualizes the exact liver site being measured.
Same-Day Diagnostic Report
Stiffness values and standard fibrosis stage correlation are detailed in a written report delivered the same day.
Painless & Non-Invasive
Replaces the need for invasive liver biopsies in routine monitoring and screening of chronic liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about Liver Ultrasound + Elastography.
What is the difference between this and a Fibroscan?
Fibroscan is a blind test that uses a vibration probe without an ultrasound image. Our Shear Wave Elastography is performed during a live ultrasound, allowing the radiologist to see the liver, avoid blood vessels or cysts, and measure the exact tissue area needed.
What does the stiffness score mean?
Lower scores (typically below 5-6 kPa) indicate a healthy, elastic liver (F0-F1). Higher scores indicate progressive scarring (F2-F3) or severe fibrosis/cirrhosis (F4).
Who should get a liver elastography scan?
Anyone with fatty liver (detected on bloods or scans), chronic hepatitis B or C, high alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, obesity, or elevated liver enzymes.