LIVER SCREEN

 

There are many kinds of liver diseases and many that can be life threatening. Viruses can cause some of them and four to five million Americans are chronically infected with the Hepatitis C Virus, which can destroy the liver without any symptoms. The Liver is the largest gland of the body, lying beneath the diaphragm; it is of irregular shape and weighs from 1.2 to 1.6 kg. It secretes the bile and is also of great importance in both carbohydrate and protein metabolism.

 

 

An ultrasound health scan of the liver is designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. Most liver diseases have only mild symptoms initially, but it is vital that these diseases be detected early. These tests can be used to detect different types of diseases, including liver tumors, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, and various liver disorders. It can also help determine the extent of known liver damage, as well as help determine the correct treatment.

 

Preparation needed for your Liver health screening:

• For best results, we request that you fast for 6 hours prior to your screening.
• Take medications as normal.
• Wear comfortable clothing (a loose fitting shirt or blouse) short sleeves are preferred.
• Do not wear neck jewelry or turtlenecks.
• If you are a diabetic, please bring a snack or beverage to eat or drink after the screening is completed.

 

The liver is the largest glandular organ of the body and is divided into four lobes of unequal size and shape. The liver lies on the right side of the abdominal cavity beneath the diaphragm. Blood is carried to the liver via tow large vessels called the hepatic artery and the portal vein. The hepatic artery carries oxygen-rich blood from the aorta (a major vessel in the heart). The portal vein carries blood containing digested food from the small intestine.

 

Functions of the liver: The liver performs a range of complex and important functions that affect all body systems including:

• Controlling the amounts of sugar (glucose), protein and fat entering the bloodstream.
• Removing bilirubin, ammonia, and other toxins from the blood.
• Processing most of the nutrients absorbed by the intestines during digestion and converting those nutrients into forms that can be used by the body. Producing cholesterol, substances that help blood clot, bile and certain important proteins, such as albumin.
• Breaks down (metabolizing) alcohol and many other drugs.

An ultrasound health scan of the liver is designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. Most liver diseases have only mild symptoms initially, but it is vital that these diseases be detected early. These tests can be used to detect different types of diseases including liver tumors, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, and various liver disorders. It can also help determine the extent of known liver damage, as well as help determine the correct treatment.