FibroScan®
A FibroScan® is a type of ultrasound that can measure the degree of scarring in your liver. It is a simple, painless test that uses high frequency sound waves. Your doctor recommended that you have this test to help us understand the condition of your liver.
FibroScan® is a noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound-based device used to measure liver scarring, or fibrosis, caused by different liver diseases. Similar to a conventional ultrasound exam, outpatient FibroScan® testing is quick, painless and easy, and provides a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage.
Your physician may recommend a FibroScan® test if you have one of the following chronic liver conditions:
- hepatitis B
- hepatitis C
- alcoholic liver disease
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- autoimmune hepatitis
- genetic diseases such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease
- cirrhosis
FAQ
A. No food or liquids (including water) for 3 hours prior to the procedure.
A.
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled procedure time.
A pain-free diagnostic test, FibroScan® requires no sedation of any kind.
The procedure usually takes about 5 minutes. Your entire appointment will last about 30 minutes.
For the procedure, you will lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head and your right abdominal area exposed.
A nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant will apply a water-based gel to your skin and then place a non-invasive probe over your liver.
During the exam, you may feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe as it delivers ultrasound waves to the area for measuring purposes.
A. FibroScan® results are provided instantly after the test. The healthcare professional performing your exam will provide you with a copy of your results at the end of your visit.