Liver FibroScan

What is a Liver FibroScan?
A liver FibroScan is a non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis refers to scarring of the liver that can progress to irreversible cirrhosis.

During a FibroScan, an ultrasound transducer probe is pressed against the skin over the liver. The probe creates vibrations that generate shear waves passing through liver tissues. Special sensors measure the speed of these waves, which correlates with liver stiffness. Higher speeds indicate increased fibrosis and cirrhosis damage.

The scan is quick, taking less than 10 minutes, and painless for the patient. Results are available immediately after the procedure. The FibroScan can detect liver disease at earlier stages compared to standard blood tests. It also avoids the risks and discomfort of a liver biopsy. This makes it a useful tool for evaluating and monitoring patients with chronic liver conditions. Repeated scans over time can show progression of fibrosis or the benefits of treatment.