FibroScan
What is a FibroScan?
FibroScan®, also called transient elastography, is a simple, painless test that checks how stiff your liver is. It works by sending a small pulse of energy that may feel like a tiny vibration on your skin. The test measures how fast the energy moves through your liver and gives your doctor a quick result. This helps your doctor understand how healthy your liver is.
What is the Examination like?
You will lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head. Your doctor will put a water-based gel on your skin and then place a small device on the right side of your ribcage. The doctor will take at least 10 quick measurements during the test. These measurements will help create an overall stiffness score for your liver.
How to Prepare for my FibroScan Exam?
It’s important to have your FibroScan exam on an empty stomach. Don’t eat or drink anything for at least 3 hours before your test. Wear comfortable clothes that make it easy for your doctor to access the right side of your rib cage.
Reasons You Might Need a FibroScan
A FibroScan is a test used to check for liver damage and determine how serious liver disease is. Your doctor might order a FibroScan to diagnose, treat, or track conditions like:
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Metabolic fatty liver disease (MAFLD), also called metabolic steatohepatitis (MASH)
- Chronic hepatitis B and C
- Cirrhosis of the liver
Genetic diseases like hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease
This test can:
- Diagnose liver problems and show how serious they are
- Predict your risk of complications
- Help your doctor decide the best treatment
- Track how well your treatment is working