Test for Fatty Liver

by Eric Smith

Overview

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can cause excess fat to develop in the liver of a person who drinks little alcohol or none at all. Alcoholic beverage consumption can also contribute to the accumulation of fat in the liver.
Symptoms

Many people with a fatty liver have no symptoms of the disorder, but some patients may experience weight loss, pain in the upper right abdomen or fatigue, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Types

Many people have undiagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease that causes excess liver fat without any medical complications, according to the Mayo Clinic. Some individuals with a fatty liver may experience liver inflammation or liver scarring with a reduction in liver functioning.
Blood Tests

Doctors may perform blood tests that evaluate a patient's liver functioning including testing of liver enzymes.
Imaging

Fat accumulation in the liver may be observed with imaging tests such as computerized tomography scans, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.
Tissue Testing

A liver biopsy may be performed to remove a tissue sample from the liver and analyze the extracted tissue for inflammation and scarring.