How alcohol-related liver disease is diagnosed Nationally deaths from liver disease, which can be caused by excessive drinking, obesity and infection with hepatitis, have risen from 7,841 in 2001 to 10,948 in 2012. Blood tests Blood tests used to assess the liver are known as liver function tests. They can detect enzymes in your blood that are normally only present if your liver has been damaged. Imaging tests / scans An ultrasound scan,CT scan or MRI scan may also be carried. These scans can produce detailed images of your liver. Some scans may also measure the stiffness of the liver, which is a good indication of whether your liver is scarred. Liver biopsy During a liver biopsy, a fine needle is inserted into your body. A small sample of liver cells is taken and sent to a laboratory to be examined under a microscope. The biopsy is usually carried out under local anaesthetic. The sample can be used to determine the degree of scarring in the liver and the cause of the damage. Endoscopy An endoscope is a flexible tube with a light and a video camera at one end. During an endoscopy, the instrument is passed down your oesophagus and into your stomach. Pictures of your oesophagus and stomach are transmitted to an external screen.