by Gastroenterology at Boulder Medical Center
Robert Levine, MD, and Barry Migicovsky, MD
Liver disease often develops silently. Many people with early liver conditions have few or no symptoms, making screening and monitoring especially important.
To help evaluate liver health more quickly and comfortably, the BMC gastroenterology team now offers the iLivTouch Liver Scan. This non-invasive test helps assess liver stiffness and fat content in just minutes.
This advanced ultrasound-based technology allows providers to screen for conditions such as liver fibrosis (scarring) and fatty liver disease without the need for more invasive procedures.
What is the iLivTouch Liver Scan?
The iLivTouch Liver Scan is a quick, painless test that evaluates liver health. It helps detect and monitor conditions such as:
- Liver fibrosis (scarring)
- Fatty liver disease
- Early cirrhosis
The scan uses transient elastography to measure the stiffness of the liver. Increased stiffness can indicate fibrosis or more advanced liver disease.
Because it is non-invasive, the Test can often be used to screen patients, monitor existing liver conditions, or help guide further evaluation when liver disease is suspected.
How Does the iLivTouch Test Work?
During the Test, a small probe is placed on the right side of the abdomen over the liver.
The probe sends gentle vibration waves through the liver tissue, and ultrasound technology measures how quickly those waves travel through the organ.
- Faster wave speeds suggest stiffer liver tissue
- Stiffer tissue can indicate fibrosis or cirrhosis
- The Test also estimates the amount of fat within the liver
These measurements help providers better understand liver health and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment may be needed.
How Long Does the Test Take?
The iLivTouch scan is designed to be quick and comfortable.
- The procedure typically takes about 5–10 minutes
- It is painless and non-invasive
- No needles or sedation are required
Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately after the scan.
Who May Benefit From an iLivTouch Liver Scan?
This Test may be recommended for patients with suspected or known chronic liver disease, including:
- Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
- Metabolic Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
- Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Hepatitis C (HCV)
In many cases, transient elastography is used along with other lab tests and imaging studies to help providers better evaluate liver health and guide treatment decisions.
How Are iLivTouch Results Interpreted?
At Boulder Medical Center, the iLivTouch scan is performed by trained gastroenterology support staff. The results are then reviewed and interpreted by board-certified gastroenterologists, Robert Levine, M.D., and Barry Migicovsky, M.D, who incorporate the findings into the patient’s overall evaluation.
Because liver disease can have many causes, the results are typically considered alongside medical history, laboratory tests, and other diagnostic information.
How Do Patients Schedule an iLivTouch Liver Scan?
A referral to the BMC Gastroenterology Department in Boulder is required for this Test.
Once a referral is received:
- The gastroenterology scheduling staff will contact the patient to arrange the appointment.
- Patients may also call the gastroenterology department directly to schedule after the referral has been submitted.
Does Insurance Cover the iLivTouch Test?
- Coverage varies depending on the insurance plan.
- The BMC team helps manage insurance authorization and billing requirements before the procedure is performed.
Resources
Early detection of liver disease can help prevent long-term complications and guide treatment decisions. The addition of the iLivTouch Liver Scan allows the BMC gastroenterology team to provide another convenient, non-invasive option for evaluating liver health. Patients with concerns about liver disease or abnormal liver tests should discuss with their primary care provider whether a referral to gastroenterology is appropriate.
Learn more about liver health testing and gastroenterology providers in Boulder, Colorado: https://www.bouldermedicalcenter.com/departments/gastroenterology/