Fibroscan for Patients
A FibroScan is a non-invasive and painless test that helps your provider assess your liver’s health and personalize and optimize your treatment plan. The FibroScan received FDA clearance and is clinically validated by over 2,000 peer-reviewed publications. This test uses ultrasound technology to determine the degree of damage or scarring and fat infiltration that may be present in your liver. For some patients, this non-invasive test could replace a liver biopsy.
Is it painful? The FibroScan is an entirely non-invasive, simple, quick, and painless test that takes no more than 15 minutes to complete. Most patients are eligible to get this test done, but it is not recommended, or it might be interpretable if you have any of the following conditions: • Small rib spaces • Fluid in the abdomen • Right heart failure • Severe obesity • Inability to lie flat • Pregnancy • Active implantable electronic devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, or pumps
What will the FibroScan examination be like? You will be asked to lie flat on an examination table with your right leg crossed over your left leg and with your right arm raised behind your head. Your healthcare provider will apply a water-based gel to the skin and then place the FibroScan probe between the ribs on the right side of your lowest chest wall as the liver is located under the rib cage. You will feel a series of painless pulses or light taps on your skin; this is the probe sending the ultrasound wave traveling through your liver. As a result, the overall liver stiffness and steatosis score are generated. This score is interpreted by your provider or a qualified professional