A liver scan refers to imaging tests that evaluate liver size, structure and disease. Common options are abdominal ultrasound (first-line), contrast-enhanced CT and MRI for detailed anatomy and lesions, MRCP for bile ducts, and transient elastography (FibroScan) to measure fibrosis. Choice depends on symptoms, blood tests and clinical question; some scans use contrast or require fasting.

Four warning signs of liver damage include: jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes); dark urine or pale, clay‑colored stools; persistent abdominal pain or swelling—especially in the right upper abdomen; and new or easy bruising or abnormal bleeding from impaired clotting. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical evaluation promptly.

Ultrasound is the best first-line scan for most suspected liver problems: it’s safe, widely available, and detects masses, fatty liver, and biliary obstruction. For more detail or lesion characterisation, contrast-enhanced CT or MRI (including MRCP) are used. For assessing fibrosis, transient elastography (FibroScan) is the preferred noninvasive test. Choice depends on the clinical question and specialist advice.

Liver scans (ultrasound, CT, MRI, PET) can detect focal lesions and features suggestive of cancer—size, number, enhancement patterns and spread. Imaging often identifies suspicious tumours but cannot always prove malignancy; biopsy or further imaging and blood tests (e.g., AFP) are needed for definitive diagnosis. Some benign lesions mimic cancer, so specialist review and follow-up are essential.

Costs vary by country, scan type and private vs public care. Typical private price ranges worldwide: liver ultrasound about US$20–$300; FibroScan (transient elastography) about US$30–$350; CT or MRI of the liver about US$100–$3,000+. Many public health systems or insurance plans cover or subsidize these tests, reducing or eliminating out‑of‑pocket costs.

A liver CT scan usually takes 10 to 30 minutes. Actual image acquisition often lasts seconds to a few minutes, but preparation, positioning, IV contrast injection and timed imaging phases add time. With setup and brief post‑scan checks the visit commonly totals 20 to 45 minutes; allow up to an hour for registration and recovery.