FIBROSCAN

Key Aspects of a FibroScan

• Procedure: You lie on your back with your right arm raised, and a probe is placed on the right abdominal area, emitting low-frequency vibrations that measure liver density.
• Results: Results are available immediately, measuring liver stiffness in kilopascals (kPa) and fat content in decibels per meter (dB/m).
• Benefits:It is painless, safe for repeated use, and requires no sedation or special preparation.
• Scoring: A lower score generally indicates a healthier liver. Fibrosis scores range from 2–7 kPa (normal) to over 14 kPa (severe scarring or cirrhosis).

Common Uses

• Doctors use FibroScan to monitor or diagnose:
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH).
• Hepatitis B or C.
• Alcoholic liver disease.
• Liver cirrhosis.

Preparation and Care

• Preparation: Usually, a 2-3 hour fast is required before the test to ensure accurate measurements of liver fat.
• Recovery: No recovery time is needed; you can immediately return to normal activities

Who Should Get a FibroScan?

Doctors typically recommend a FibroScan if you have or are suspected of having:

• Fatty Liver Disease: Both Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).
• Chronic Hepatitis: Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
• Metabolic Syndrome: Individuals with obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
• Alcohol-Related Liver Damage: Those with a history of regular, heavy alcohol consumption.
• Abnormal Liver Tests: Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST).
• Other Conditions: Autoimmune liver disease or biliary conditions.

Why Get a FibroScan?

• Non-invasive: No needles, fasting is usually limited, and it is painless.
• Quick Assessment: Measures liver fat (steatosis) and stiffness (fibrosis) in minutes.
• Alternative to Biopsy: Often used instead of a liver biopsy to monitor disease progression.