The liver works hard every day to help digest food, process medications, remove toxins, and store important nutrients. The challenge is that many liver diseases develop quietly, with few or no symptoms early on. That’s why testing can be important, especially for people with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, heavy alcohol use or a history of hepatitis.
Simple tests that can detect liver disease
Blood tests
A liver function panel, also called a hepatic panel, is often the first step in checking liver health. These blood tests measure enzymes that show if the liver is injured or stressed and proteins that help show how well the liver is making important proteins for liver function.
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Find a clinicAbnormal results do not always mean liver disease is present, but they can be an early sign that the liver needs further evaluation.
Ultrasound-based liver tests
Tests such as FibroScan® use ultrasound technology to look for liver scarring and stiffness.
These tests are quick, painless, noninvasive and performed without needles or surgery. When combined with blood tests, they can help detect liver problems before serious damage occurs.
Three common liver diseases these tests may help identify
Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. It is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and physical inactivity.
Many people have no symptoms and do not realize they have the condition. Over time, MASLD can lead to liver scarring, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Viral hepatitis
Hepatitis is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are especially important because they can quietly damage the liver for years without causing symptoms.
Vaccination can help prevent hepatitis B, and effective treatments are available for many people with hepatitis C.
Liver cancer
Liver cancer often develops in people who already have chronic liver disease, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, or advanced fatty liver disease.
Like many liver conditions, liver cancer may not cause symptoms until it is more advanced, making prevention and early detection especially important.
When to talk with your doctor
Consider asking about liver testing if you have:
- Obesity or are overweight
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Heavy alcohol use
- A history of hepatitis
- Abnormal liver blood test results
- A family history of liver disease
The bottom line
Many liver diseases can develop for years without causing symptoms. Simple blood tests and ultrasound-based liver tests can help identify problems early, when treatment and lifestyle changes may have the greatest impact. If you have risk factors for liver disease, talk with your doctor about whether testing is right for you.
