FibroScan®

FibroScan® is a noninvasive diagnostic ultrasound-based tool utilized to assess the degree of liver scarring or fibrosis caused by different liver conditions. Similar to a standard ultrasound exam, outpatient FibroScan® testing is swift, easy, and painless, and offers a non-surgical alternative to the conventional liver biopsy to measure liver damage.

The FibroScan® device uses a technique called transient elastography to measure the stiffness of the liver. During the procedure, a special probe is placed on the skin's surface, and a small pulse of energy is transmitted into the liver. The device then measures the speed at which the shear wave travels through the liver tissue. The stiffness of the liver is directly related to the degree of fibrosis, and by assessing this stiffness, healthcare professionals can estimate the level of liver fibrosis.

Indications 

Your doctor may recommend a FibroScan® test if you have any of the following chronic liver disorders:

• Hepatitis B or C
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Genetic disorders such as Wilson’s disease and hemochromatosis

Contraindications

FibroScan® is not recommended if you are obese, have abdominal ascites or are of advanced age.

Preparation

There is no special preparation needed for a FibroScan®; however, you are advised to avoid eating or drinking 2 to 3 hours before the scan.

Procedure

FibroScan® is a simple outpatient procedure that takes about 5 minutes. The procedure requires no sedation, and you may drive yourself to and from the test. In general, the procedure involves the following steps:

• You will lie on your back (supine position).
• Your right abdominal area is exposed.
• A water-based gel is applied to the skin over the liver area, followed by placement of an ultrasound-like probe.
• 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.

Post-procedure care

There is usually no recovery time needed after a FibroScan®, and patients can resume their normal activities. The results are typically available immediately after the procedure. The healthcare provider may discuss the results with the patient, providing information about the degree of liver stiffness and potential fibrosis.

Results

Results are measured in kilopascals (kPa). The normal range for a FibroScan® is between

2 to 7 kPa. The average normal result is 5.3 kPa. Your physician will explain your results to find out how much scarring is present in the liver. Results will vary based on the type of liver disease present.

Scarring has 4 stages and is categorized based on your fibrosis score:

• F0 means no scarring
• F1 is mild fibrosis
• F2 is moderate fibrosis
• F3 is severe fibrosis
• F4 is cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis

Risks and Complications

FibroScan® is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated procedure. It does not have any potential complications or risks and is non-invasive, meaning nothings breaks the skin or enters your body.

Advantages

The advantages of FibroScan® include:

• Accurate diagnosis
• No need for liver biopsy
• No complications
• Quick and Painless

Summary

FibroScan® is a valuable tool for assessing liver fibrosis without the need for a liver biopsy, which is a more invasive procedure. The results from a FibroScan®, along with other clinical and laboratory data, help your healthcare provider to make informed decisions about the management and treatment of your liver condition.