What is it?
Fibroscan is a specialized ultrasound machine for your liver. It is a non-invasive test that measures liver health. It measures fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fatty change) in your liver. The test will be performed by Liver Scan Direct, a medical diagnostics company that specializes in the assessment of liver heath. The procedure will be performed by a highly trained technician and the scans will be reviewed by an internal expert hepatologist (Dr. Robert Myers).
How is the test performed?
- For the procedure, you will lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head with your right abdominal area exposed.
- The test uses a probe that is placed near the right lobe of the liver.
- You may feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe.
- Results are obtained in 5 to 10 minutes.
Why do the test?
Fibroscan is useful for healthcare providers to better assess the health of the liver. This may assist with diagnosing, monitoring and treatment. It is indicated for those diagnosed with:
– fatty liver disease
– elevated liver enzymes
– alcoholic liver disease
– cirrhosis
– Hepatitis B or C
– genetic diseases such as hemochromatosis
**This test may also serve as a base-line liver assessment for individuals without any liver concerns. It is also indicated for patients on methotrexate.
Who Can’t Do the Test
Fibroscan should not be used:
- On pregnant patients;
- On patients with ascites; and
- On patients with active implantable devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and pumps.