What Is UDFF? Ultrasound-Detected Fat Fraction Explained | Epoch St Ives
Expert specialist uDFF liver fat scanning at Epoch Medical Imaging, St Ives Shopping Village. Non-invasive, quantitative liver fat measurement for fatty liver disease. Serving the North Shore.
How UDFF Measures Liver Fat Non-Invasively
UDFF scan (Ultrasound-Detected Fat Fraction) is an advanced ultrasound technique that quantifies the percentage of fat within liver tissue — providing an objective, numerical measurement of hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). Unlike standard ultrasound, which gives a subjective visual impression of liver brightness, UDFF calculates a precise fat fraction value using sophisticated acoustic analysis of the returning ultrasound signal.
How it works:
– The ultrasound probe sends sound waves through the liver.
– The way the sound wave is attenuated (absorbed) and scattered by fat-laden liver cells is measured.
– Specialised software automatically calculates the fat fraction as a percentage.
– This percentage directly represents the proportion of fat within the liver tissue assessed.
– The value can be tracked over time to objectively monitor changes.
UDFF is safe, painless, radiation-free, and can be performed alongside a standard liver ultrasound or liver elastography in the same appointment at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village — providing a comprehensive liver health assessment in a single visit.
UDFF vs FibroScan vs Liver Biopsy: Which Is Best?
Each method of liver fat assessment has particular strengths — and the best option depends on what your doctor needs to know.
UDFF provides the most objective, quantitative measurement of liver fat available without biopsy. When liver stiffness (fibrosis) also needs to be assessed, UDFF can be combined with shear wave elastography in the same appointment at Epoch Medical Imaging — providing comprehensive liver health information comparable to what previously required a biopsy for most patients. A liver biopsy remains the definitive investigation when tissue analysis is clinically necessary, but for the vast majority of patients with fatty liver disease, UDFF and elastography together provide all the information needed.
What Is a Normal vs Abnormal UDFF Result?
UDFF scan expert diagnostic results are expressed as a percentage representing the fat fraction within the assessed liver tissue.
General reference ranges:
– Normal: Liver fat fraction below approximately 5–6%
– Mild steatosis: 6–17%
– Moderate steatosis: 17–23%
– Severe steatosis: Above 23%
These values are used alongside your clinical history, blood test expert diagnostic results, and any other investigations to provide your doctor with a complete picture of your liver health. Your GP or gastroenterologist will discuss your result with you and advise on any recommended lifestyle, dietary, or medical treatment changes. Regular repeat UDFF scanning allows the effectiveness of treatment to be assessed objectively over time — an important motivating factor for many patients managing their liver health.
Medicare, Referral & Availability at Epoch Medical Imaging
UDFF scan scanning is available at Epoch Medical Imaging in St Ives Shopping Village for patients referred by a GP, gastroenterologist, or hepatologist.
How to access UDFF at Epoch:
– A referral from your GP or specialist is required.
– UDFF can be performed alongside a standard liver ultrasound or combined with liver elastography in the same appointment for comprehensive liver assessment.
– Please confirm [Medicare rebate] eligibility and current fees with our team when booking, as rebate conditions may apply depending on your clinical indication.
– Call (02) 9129 6999 to book or ask any questions about your referral.
We serve patients from St Ives Shopping Village, Turramurra, Pymble, Gordon, Killara, Wahroonga, Lindfield, and across the Upper North Shore. Our team will advise on preparation requirements when you book.
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