Shear Wave

What shear wave elastography is

Shear wave elastography is an ultrasound test of liver stiffness. A probe rests on the skin over the liver, and the liver is shown on the screen. Sound pulses create small waves in the liver. The machine measures how fast those waves move.

A stiffer liver lets the waves move faster. The result is a stiffness number. A higher number is a sign of more scarring. The test does not take a tissue sample.

Why it is used

Clinicians use it to estimate scarring without a biopsy. For most people it is not painful, and it can be repeated.

The number is read together with the rest of the liver assessment, including blood work and other imaging. Shear wave elastography does not replace every other test, and it does not set a treatment plan on its own.

What to expect

The probe is placed on the skin over the liver. You may feel the probe against the skin. Most people return to their usual day afterward.

Your family doctor arranges the scan.

OHIP coverage

Shear wave elastography is not covered by OHIP. There is a fee; the amount may change. Call the office for the current amount before the visit. Clients with private coverage typically have the fee covered. This page does not list a price.