FibroScan

FibroScan is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to assess liver health by measuring liver stiffness and fat content. It provides an alternative to invasive liver biopsies. It employs advanced ultrasound technology called transient elastography to evaluate conditions like fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fat buildup).

When Do I Need the Procedure

Patients typically need a FibroScan when there is a need to assess the health of the liver, especially for conditions that may cause liver scarring (fibrosis) or fat buildup (steatosis). FibroScan is widely used for conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and chronic hepatitis.

Here are common scenarios:

1. Chronic Liver Disease: To monitor liver damage caused by conditions like hepatitis B or C, alcoholic liver disease, or autoimmune liver diseases.
2. Monitors the progression or regression of liver diseases.
3. Fatty Liver Disease: To evaluate the extent of fat accumulation in the liver, often linked to obesity, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome.
4. Cirrhosis: To assess the severity of liver scarring and guide treatment decisions.

What Do I Expect

During a FibroScan, here’s what you can expect:

Preparation

• You may need to fast for a few hours before the procedure.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing to allow easy access to your right abdominal area.

Procedure

• You’ll lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head.
• A technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin and place a non-invasive prob over your liver.
• The probe sends ultrasound waves into your liver to measure its stiffness and fat content.
• The procedure is quick and painless, typically lasting 5–10 minutes.

Post-Procedure

• No sedation is required, so you can drive yourself home afterward.
• Results are analysed instantly, providing your doctor the insights into your liver health.

After the Procedure

After a FibroScan, which assesses liver stiffness and fat content, there are generally no major aftercare requirements since it’s a non-invasive procedure. However, here are some key points to keep in mind:

Post-Procedure Care

• Resume Normal Activities: Since FibroScan doesn’t require sedation or incisions, you can return to your usual routine immediately.

Benefits

• Painless: No needles or incisions are involved.
• Quick: The procedure typically takes only 5–10 minutes.
• Reliable: Provides valuable insights into liver fibrosis and steatosis.

Cost of the Procedure

A Fibroscan is usually done is the Imaging Department of a hospital, the cost of it varies depending on the hospital charges. You may be able to claim the cost of Fibroscan depending on your insurance plan. The doctor will discuss the cost with you during the consultation.