Specifically, it uses ultrasound technology to determine the degree of fibrosis or scarring that may be present in your liver from various liver diseases or conditions. This information is then used by your gastroenterologist to individualize and optimize your treatment plan. For some patients, Fibroscan can replace liver biopsy.
FibroScan test results are always used in conjunction with other clinical data, laboratory test results, and liver imaging in managing individual patients.
The FibroScan test is a completely non-invasive, simple and painless procedure that takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Most patients with chronic liver disease can be assessed, but the test is not recommended or interpretable in patients with
- Fluid in the abdomen (i.e. ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy)
- Acute hepatitis
- Right heart failure
- Severe obesity
- Small rib spaces
- Inability to lie flat
FibroScan liver test is useful for diagnosis of the following liver conditions:
- Hepatitis B
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis C
- Wilson’s disease
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Hemochromatosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
