FibroScan

What is FibroScan testing?

FibroScan testing can assess the different degrees of liver scarring (fibrosis) and fat build-up in
the liver. The technical term of this procedure is Transient elastography, and it is a non-invasive
procedure performed by physicians to examine and evaluate the liver for diseases that might
affect the liver’s function.

The procedure is recommended when the Gastrointestinal Specialist (GI) wants to address
common symptoms of liver disease. A FibroScan may be ordered when the patient exhibits mild
to late-stage liver problems.

What is involved in this test?

This process is usually done alongside blood work and diagnostic imaging to get a more
thorough evaluation of the liver’s condition.

Preparing for the Procedure

The patient will lie flat on the examination table as the sonographer passes the FibroScan
imaging wand over the upper right abdominal area, right under the ribs. This is a generally
comfortable procedure and typically takes 15 minutes or less to conduct.
The imaging wand emits several pulses directly into the liver, calculating the rate at which the
ultrasound waves pass through the liver tissue.

What can I expect after the FibroScan Test?

The FibroScan produces a numerical output that translates to the level of fat that has built up in
the liver (also known as controlled attenuation parameter or CAP) in addition to the fibrosis
score.

A higher CAP score demonstrates a higher degree of steatosis (fatty change) and a more serious
degree of fatty liver.

A follow-up appointment would be scheduled with a GI, and they will go over possible options
with you.