Clinical Indications

Chronic Hepatitis B and C: Regular monitoring of liver fibrosis progression.
Alcoholic Liver Disease: Assessment and management of liver damage due to alcohol consumption.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Evaluation of liver fat content and fibrosis.
Cirrhosis: Monitoring of liver stiffness to assess disease progression and management.

How FibroScan Benefits Patients

FibroScan offers numerous advantages for patients needing liver health assessments. Here’s how it stands out:

Non-Invasive Procedure

Painless: Unlike liver biopsies, which require a needle insertion to obtain liver tissue, FibroScan is completely non-invasive. There are no needles, incisions, or anesthesia involved.
Minimal Discomfort: Patients experience no pain during the procedure, making it a stress-free option for liver assessment.

Quick and Convenient

Rapid Assessment: The entire FibroScan procedure typically takes less than 10 minutes, with the scanning process itself lasting just a few seconds.
Immediate Results: Patients receive their liver stiffness and fat content measurements immediately after the scan, enabling swift clinical decision-making.

Safe and Low Risk

No Complications: FibroScan eliminates the risks associated with invasive procedures, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to the liver or surrounding organs.
Suitable for Repeated Use: Given its safety profile, FibroScan can be used frequently to monitor liver health over time without adverse effects.

Accurate and Reliable

Proven Technology: Numerous clinical studies have validated the accuracy and reliability of FibroScan in diagnosing and monitoring liver conditions, providing patients with trustworthy results.
Consistent Monitoring: FibroScan allows for consistent and repeatable measurements, aiding in the effective tracking of liver disease progression or regression.

Broad Clinical Applications

Chronic Liver Diseases: FibroScan is effective in assessing liver stiffness and fat content in various liver conditions, including hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cirrhosis.
Early Detection: By providing early and accurate detection of liver fibrosis and steatosis, FibroScan helps in the timely management and treatment of liver diseases, potentially preventing severe complications.

Enhanced Patient Experience

Ease of Preparation: Minimal preparation is required before a FibroScan test, unlike some diagnostic procedures that may require fasting or other preparatory steps.
Comfortable Setting: The procedure is performed in a comfortable outpatient setting, often in a doctor’s office or clinic, enhancing patient convenience.

Cost-Effective

Reduced Need for Biopsy: By providing accurate non-invasive assessments, FibroScan can reduce the need for costly and invasive liver biopsies.
Lower Healthcare Costs: Frequent and safe monitoring with FibroScan can lead to better disease management and potentially lower long-term healthcare costs by preventing disease progression.

What to Expect During the FibroScan Procedure

The FibroScan procedure is straightforward, non-invasive, and typically takes only a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what patients can expect:

Preparation Before the Procedure

Minimal Requirements: Generally, no special preparation is needed. However, your doctor might advise avoiding food and drink for a few hours (4 hrs usually) before the scan to improve accuracy.
Comfortable Clothing: Wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily expose your upper abdomen.

Arrival at the Clinic

Check-In: Upon arrival, you will check in and may be asked to fill out or review some medical forms.
Discussion with Technician: A technician or healthcare provider will explain the procedure, address any questions or concerns, and obtain your consent.

Positioning for the Scan

Lying Down: You will be asked to lie on your back on an examination table with your right arm raised behind your head. This position helps provide the best access to your liver.
Exposure of the Abdomen: The technician will apply a water-based gel to your right upper abdomen to ensure good contact between the FibroScan probe and your skin.

Conducting the Scan

Placing the Probe: The technician will place the FibroScan probe on your right upper abdomen, just below your ribcage.
Emitting Ultrasound Pulses: The device emits painless, low-frequency ultrasound pulses into your liver. You might feel a slight vibration on the skin as the pulses are generated.
Measurement: The probe measures the velocity of the shear waves created by the ultrasound pulses as they travel through your liver. This data is used to calculate liver stiffness and fat content.

Duration of the Procedure

Quick Process: The actual scanning process takes only a few minutes. Including preparation and positioning, the entire procedure typically lasts around 10-15 minutes.

After the Procedure

Immediate Results: One of the advantages of FibroScan is that it provides immediate results. The technician will generate a report indicating your liver stiffness (measured in kilopascals) and, if applicable, the level of liver fat content (measured by the Controlled Attenuation Parameter).
Discussion with Doctor: You may discuss the results with your doctor immediately after the procedure or at a follow-up appointment. Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss any further steps or treatment plans if needed.

Post-Procedure Considerations

No Downtime: There is no recovery time needed after a FibroScan. You can return to your normal activities immediately.
Safety and Comfort: Since FibroScan is non-invasive and does not involve radiation or needles, it is very safe and comfortable, with no associated risks or complications.

By understanding what to expect during the FibroScan procedure, patients can feel more at ease and prepared, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.

FibroScan is a non-invasive medical device that measures liver stiffness to assess liver fibrosis and cirrhosis quickly and painlessly.