Technology of Fibroscan® Test
FibroScan® test is specifically used to determine the health of the liver. It determines the extent of scarring of the liver tissue due to various diseases, through ultrasound technology. FibroScan® results are in the normal range of 2-7 kilopascals. In some conditions FibroScan® liver test can even replace liver biopsy liver biopsy because the former is non-invasive, cheaper and less time consuming.
The test is called so because the machine used for the test is a FibroScan ®. The test can be used in conjunction with other tests such as imaging and blood reports to get a holistic overview about the health of your liver.
Procedure and Applications of Fibro Liver Scan
A probe with a transducer attached to its end is placed on your skin near the liver region to perform the fibro liver scan. The wave is passed from the probe to the liver and the FibroScan® test machine measures the velocity of the wave passing through the liver. The measurement is converted to a liver stiffness measure which is analyzed in the FibroScan® results.
FibroScan® liver test is useful for diagnosis of the following liver conditions:
- Hepatitis B
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Primary Biliary Cirrhosis
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Hepatitis C
- Wilson’s disease
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
- Hemochromatosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
However, the applications of FibroScan® are not limited to liver fibrosis diagnosis. The technology is also finding application in other diagnosis such as:
- Portal Hypertension assessment and its relation to liver transplantation success
What to Know about FibroScan® Liver Test
Fibro liver scan is not accurate for patients who are obese or those who have excessive abdominal fluid. The process otherwise is harmless and non-invasive. The FibroScan® liver test results are also provided instantaneously after completing the process. Your appointment doesn’t last more than half an hour. It is the most widely used non-invasive technique to stage liver fibrosis.
At Mission Gastro Hospital, we have the latest FibroScan® equipment to perform the test. If you are thinking where I will find a FibroScan® test near me, schedule a consultation with Dr. Chirag Shah to discuss any liver ailments and the subsequent path of treatment for you.
