If you’re experiencing symptoms like unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or bloating—or if you have risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, a history of hepatitis, or chronic alcohol use, FibroScan provides an alternative to traditional liver biopsy to assess your liver health.
FibroScan, also known as liver elastography, is a quick, innovative, and non-invasive test that detects liver scarring and fat buildup—key indicators of chronic liver disease. Unlike a traditional liver biopsy, FibroScan uses advanced technology to deliver results without the need for needles or surgery. FibroScan offers a more convenient, cost-effective, and comfortable option to monitor your liver health.
In This Article, we will go over:
- Why liver health matters.
- What is FibroScan, and what can it detect?
- What to expect before, during, and after your FibroScan appointment.
- How to understand your results.
- How FibroScan helps with liver health monitoring and disease management.
Why is my liver health important?
Located on the upper right side of your abdomen, the liver is the largest solid organ in your body and one of the busiest. It performs three key functions:
- Cleansing your blood
- Producing bile, a vital digestive fluid
- Storing energy as glycogen (a type of sugar)
There are three main causes of chronic liver disease:
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
- Viral hepatitis (HCV and HBV)
- Alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)
Chronic liver disease often progresses quietly without symptoms, and is often underdiagnosed. However, early detection and treatment can help reverse the damage caused by these conditions.
What Is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a specialized ultrasound test that measures liver stiffness and fat content. It is a quick, painless, and non-surgical test that assesses liver scarring caused by various liver diseases and fat accumulation. This provides a safe and comfortable alternative to a traditional liver biopsy.
Suppose your doctor suspects liver disease or wants to monitor existing liver conditions. In that case, FibroScan is a non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy providing a more cost-effective and convenient option for insights into your liver health.
What Can FibroScan Detect?
A FibroScan provides two key pieces of information about your liver:
- Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) – This helps determine if you have fibrosis (scarring) in your liver. A high stiffness score may indicate a risk of cirrhosis or advancing liver disease.
- Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) – This measures the amount of fat in your liver. If your CAP score is high, it could indicate fatty liver disease (MASH), which can increase the risk of liver damage over time.
How Does FibroScan Work?
Using a technology similar to ultrasound, FibroScan produces an image of the liver by measuring the speed of sound waves passing through it. The shading in the image allows sub-specialized physicians to determine the levels and locations of scarring within the liver and excess fat.
Is Fibroscan painful?
No. FibroScan is painless, quick, and easy. As the measurements are taken, you might feel a slight vibration on your skin from the probe.
How Long Does It Take?
The entire exam typically takes less than 10 minutes to perform. Your entire visit, from check-in to completion, usually takes about 20 minutes.
How Much Does FibroScan Cost?
FibroScan is a cost-effective option for assessing liver health. Insurance coverage varies depending on your specific insurance plan and the medical reason for the test. For those without insurance coverage, American Health Imaging offers FibroScan for a self-pay price of $299.
What Happens Before, During, and After a FibroScan?
Before Your Appointment
Avoid eating or drinking for at least three hours before the test (water is usually allowed). Ask your doctor about any medications you should avoid before this appointment. Our scheduling team will inform you of these fasting requirements for your exam.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your right rib cage. A gown may be provided if needed.
During the FibroScan
For your FibroScan exam, you’ll lie on your back with your right arm raised above your head. The American Health Imaging technologist will apply a water-based gel and place the probe on the right side of your abdomen at the breastbone level. The examination includes ten consecutive measurements made at the same location.
The entire scan process takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
After the Exam
Since the test is completely non-invasive, you can return to normal activities immediately—no sedation or downtime required..
Your doctor will receive a full report within a few days after your appointment. Your doctor will first review your results and then explain what they mean for your liver health.
Understanding Your FibroScan Results
Once your test is complete, your doctor will review your results and explain how this will impact your health and treatment. Your FibroScan results primarily indicate your liver’s stiffness and fat content. Here is what that score can mean for you:
Low stiffness and low fat content → Your liver has minimal to no liver damage.
High fat content → This result indicates that you may have fatty liver disease. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional liver evaluation as well as lifestyle changes.
High liver stiffness → This may indicate fibrosis or cirrhosis. These are both serious liver conditions that require follow-up and treatment with your doctor.
How does Fibroscan measure Steatosis?
The results of your Fibroscan exam are indicated by a Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score and a matching steatosis grade. This scoring range (CAP) and steatosis grade indicate a quantifiable measure of your liver fat.
Your CAP score categorizes your fat accumulation in your liver into a certain steatosis grade. Steatosis is assessed based on the percentage of fat accumulation in the liver.
How does FibroScan measure Fibrosis?
Fibrosis, or liver scarring, is assessed by measuring liver stiffness. Higher stiffness values may indicate liver abnormalities. A fibrosis score between 2 and 6 kPa is normal, while higher values suggest increased liver stiffness and potential concerns.
How to understand my Fibroscan score?
The CAP score will range from 100 dB/m to 400 dB/m. Your steatosis grade will range from S1 to S3. This CAP score and steatosis grade can change over time.
You will receive a Fibrosis score between F0 and F4 based on your fibrosis result, measured in kPa, as well as your medical history.
Ask your healthcare provider to go over these results with you. Your Fibroscan results can range from normal to advanced. Your doctor will review your results in the context of your medical history to determine the next steps for your liver care.
How Does FibroScan Help with Long-Term Liver Monitoring and Management?
FibroScan is a powerful tool for monitoring liver health over time. If you are at risk for or have been diagnosed with liver disease, FibroScan exams can help:
- Track disease progression
- Evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or treatments.
- Identify potential complications early, before symptoms appear and irreversible damage to your liver has been done.
Early detection of liver disease can help prevent serious complications and lead to better long-term health outcomes.
Where Can I Get a FibroScan?
FibroScan technology is available at American Health Imaging of Decatur. Contact us today to request an appointment. Take control of your liver health! All you need is a referral from your doctor.
We offer Flexible Early Morning, Evening, and Weekend hours to fit your busy schedule
FAQ (Frequently asked questions)
Q: How is FibroScan different from an ultrasound?
A: FibroScan works similarly to an ultrasound, but instead of just creating an image of your liver, it measures liver stiffness (scarring) and fat accumulation. This helps doctors assess liver health without needing a biopsy.
Q: Where can I get a FibroScan for liver health?
A: FibroScan is available at American Health Imaging of Decatur. Contact us today to schedule your appointment
Q: How long does FibroScan take?
A: The entire FibroScan exam takes less than 10 minutes, and there’s no downtime afterward.
Q: Is FibroScan painful?
A: No, FibroScan is completely painless. The test uses a small probe placed on your skin, and you may feel a slight vibration, but there are no needles or discomfort.
Q: How much does FibroScan cost?
A: FibroScan is an affordable option for assessing liver health. American Health Imaging is in network with 99% of health insurances. We offer Fibroscan with a self-pay price of just $299 at American Health Imaging.
Q: What should I do if my FibroScan results indicate liver damage?
A: If your FibroScan results show liver stiffness or fat accumulation, follow up with your doctor to discuss next steps. This may include lifestyle changes, additional tests, or medications to help improve your liver health.
Q: What other tests might be needed alongside a FibroScan?
A: Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend blood tests, an MRI, or even a liver biopsy for further evaluation. These tests provide additional details about your liver health.