Fatty Liver Disease Screening

Why Test for Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver disease (now often referred to as MASLD) is a "silent" condition because it rarely shows symptoms in its early stages. Testing is the only way to catch inflammation or scarring (fibrosis) before it leads to permanent damage.

The Goal: Detect liver damage early through non-invasive imaging and lab work.
The Link: High BMI and Type 2 Diabetes are the leading risk factors for liver fat buildup.

Common Diagnostic Tests

Test Type What it Measures Why it’s Used

FibroScan® Liver stiffness and fat content A painless, non-invasive alternative to a biopsy.

Liver Enzyme Panel ALT and AST levels in the blood To check for active liver inflammation.

Metabolic Profile Blood sugar and cholesterol To assess the "root causes" of liver stress.

Ultrasound Physical appearance of the liver To look for visible fat deposits or enlargement.

Who Should Be Screened?

Liver disease is most common in individuals with:

Type 2 Diabetes or insulin resistance.
Obesity (A BMI over 30).
High cholesterol or triglycerides.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).

Check Your Risk

BMI 25.0 – 29.9 (Overweight): Increased risk for early-stage fatty liver.

BMI 30.0+ (Obese): Higher risk for MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease).

What to Expect

Consultation: A review of your medical history and metabolic risk factors.
The Test: A non-invasive FibroScan® that takes about 10–15 minutes.
No Pain: No needles or sedation are required.
Results: Discuss your results and a customized treatment plan during the same visit.

1. Does fatty liver disease always show up in standard blood tests?

Not necessarily. While elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) can indicate inflammation, some patients with fatty liver disease or even advanced scarring (fibrosis) may have "normal" blood test results. This is why a specialized FibroScan® is often recommended for a definitive look.

2. Can fatty liver disease be reversed?

In many cases, yes. When caught in the early stages (MASLD), lifestyle changes—such as weight loss, managing blood sugar, and dietary adjustments—can significantly reduce liver fat and even reverse inflammation.

3. Is the FibroScan® test painful?

No. The FibroScan® is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based technology. It feels like a slight vibration or "flick" on the skin over your liver. There are no needles, no sedation, and you can drive yourself home immediately after.

4. Why is my endocrinologist checking my liver?

The liver and the endocrine system are closely linked. Conditions like Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance are the primary drivers of fat buildup in the liver. Managing one often requires monitoring the other to prevent long-term complications like cirrhosis.

5. How long does the screening take?

The actual FibroScan® procedure takes about 10–15 minutes. Most patients are in and out of the office within an hour, including the consultation to discuss results.

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