FibroScan® Transient Elastography

FibroScan transient elastography is a painless, quick, noninvasive diagnostic technique used to measure liver scarring, or fibrosis, caused by a number of liver diseases. This convenient nonsurgical alternative to traditional liver biopsy is performed right in our office.

Your gastroenterologist may want to perform a FibroScan test if you have one of the following chronic liver conditions:

• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
• Genetic diseases such as hemochromatosis and Wilson’s disease

FibroScan works by emitting a small pulse of energy, which may feel like a slight vibration on your skin. It calculates the speed of the energy to provide your physician an immediate measure of the stiffness of your liver and give an indication of your overall liver health.

How to Prepare for FibroScan®

It is important to have an empty stomach for this examination. You should not eat anything for at least 3 hours prior to your appointment, although you may drink water during this time. You should wear comfortable clothing that will easily allow the provider to expose the right side of your rib cage. You will not be sedated for the study, so you do not need a driver to accompany you.

What to Expect

You will lay on your back with your right arm raised above your head. A nurse will apply a water-based gel to the skin and then place the probe on the right side of your rib cage, taking 10 quick measurements that will be used to establish an overall stiffness score. Once completed, the data collected will be sent to your gastroenterologist. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes from start to finish.

Please note that FibroScan cannot be performed on pregnant women, or on patients who have any type of implanted electronic device.