Fibroscan is a test that looks at how healthy your liver is. It is a scan that uses an enhanced ultrasound called transient elastography to assess how many fat cells are in the liver and if scarring is present. Liver function is a very important part of your overall health. Your liver cleans your blood, produces a bile to add in digestion and stores energy.
Why do I need this test?
FibroScan is FDA-approved for clinical management of patients with liver disease, delivers consistent results and is covered by most insurance plans. Your physician may recommend this non-invasive, painless test if you have a chronic liver disease such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, cirrhosis, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). FibroScan can help your physician identify if you have fibrosis (scarring of the liver) or steatosis (too much fat in the liver). It can also be used to monitor the progression of diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.
How does this test work?
Fibroscan doesn’t require sedation so you can drive yourself to and from your appointment. You should wear loose or comfortable clothing. Do not eat 3 hours prior to the test. Water is ok to drink. During the exam, you will lie on your back with your right arm behind your head. The medical assistant or technician will apply a gel to your right abdominal area then place a non-invasive probe over that area. You may feel slight vibrations on your skin as images are taken. The procedure only takes about 10-20 minutes. Your physician will review your results then you will be notified via MyChart or by mail. Your physician will use FibroScan as part of the broader evaluation of your liver health.
What is a cap score? What is a fibrosis score?
A cap score measures the amount of fat in your liver. Too much fat in the liver is called steatosis. Normal livers have a 5% or lower fatty changes while anything from 5% to 33% can indicate mild fatty liver. Anything higher than 33% can indicate moderate to severe fatty liver and possible liver damage.
A fibrosis score is based on the amount of scarring on your liver. A normal result of F0 to F1 means no or mild liver scarring. F4 means severe liver scarring called cirrhosis.
Sources
Associates in Gastroenterology. n.d. What is FibroScan? https://agcosprings.com/procedures/fibroscan/
Echosens. n.d. Patient Brochure on FibroScan. https://echosens.showpad.com/share/iS0Oo0eTpvpSubuXEniR5
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Understanding Your Liver Elastography (FibroScan) Results. 2023. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/understanding-your-fibroscan-results#:~:text=FibroScan%20is%20a%20type%20of,more%20about%20your%20liver%20disease
