Fibroscan
What is
FibroScan?
FibroScan Testing is a recently FDA-approved non-invasive diagnostic device used to measure liver scarring or fibrosis caused by a number of liver diseases. Similar to undergoing a conventional liver ultrasound exam, outpatient FibroScan testing is quick, painless, easy, and provides a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage. This information is then used by your gastroenterologist to individualize and optimize your treatment plan.
Why is FibroScan
performed?
Your physician may recommend a FibroScan test if you have one of the following chronic liver conditions:
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Genetic Diseases (such asHemochromatosis and Wilson’s Disease)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Alcoholic Liver Disease
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
FibroScan preparation is simple and straightforward.
- You will be asked to fast for at least 3 hours before your liver fibrosis test, and to take only clear fluids during that time.
- You should wear comfortable clothes (e.g. shirt, loose dress) that can be moved/repositioned to allow the nurse to examine your right upper abdomen. Please do not wear any tight clothing to your appointment.
- You may also be asked to rest on the examination bed for a few minutes before the exam because it is important for the measurements to be taken while your body is at rest.
How one should prepare?
What to Expect During & After the Procedure
What Happens After Procedure?
It is not necessary to bring a driver for your liver elastography appointment. After the procedure, you will be immediately discharged from the procedure area and be able to leave without any restrictions.
The computer will analyze the information from your test. The doctor who completed and interpreted the procedure will send the test results to the doctor who ordered your procedure. FibroScan results will be available in about one to two weeks.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
Good news! FibroScans are not at all painful, and no sedation is needed. If you have ever had an ultrasound before, you will find the FibroScan procedure to be similar.
The liver is located in the right upper abdomen under the rib cage. Patients are asked to lie flat on an examination table. A technician places the FibroScan probe between the ribs on the right side of the lower chest wall. Gel is applied to the area and the FibroScan device is placed on the skin between your ribs. A series of painless pulses are then applied to the liver.
The results are recorded on the equipment and an overall liver stiffness score is generated. This score is then interpreted by a qualified physician to predict the likelihood of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
What are the risks of FibroScan?
The FibroScan test is a completely non-invasive, simple and painless procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Most patients with chronic liver disease can be assessed, but the test is not recommended or interpretable in patients with:
- Fluid in the abdomen (i.e. ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy)
- Acute hepatitis
- Right heart failure
- Severe obesity
- Small rib spaces
- Inability to lie flat
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