FibroScan is a proven technology used for non-invasive examinations of your liver. FDA cleared and clinically validated by over 2,000 peer-reviewed publications, FibroScan works by emitting a small pulse of energy, called a shear wave, which will feel like a light tap on your skin.
FibroScan calculates the speed of this energy as it travels through your liver and translates that speed with two scores that your care provider will use to determine the overall health of your liver. The first score is a measure of your livers stiffness, the second score approximates liver fat.
The combination of these scores gives your health care provider a better understanding of your liver's overall health and how it changes over time with lifestyle or medical intervention.
FibroScan is a non-invasive test that helps assess the health of your liver. Specifically, it uses ultrasound technology to determine the degree of fibrosis or scarring that may be present in your liver for various liver diseases or conditions. This information is then used by your gastroenterologist to individualize and optimize your treatment plan. For many patients, FibroScan can replace liver biopsy.
Fibroscan® Is The Reference For Non-invasive Liver Assessment In The Major Guidelines
ADA: Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes - 2019 Recommendation
Patients with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes and elevated liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase) or fatty liver on ultrasound should be evaluated for presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and liver fibrosis.
• Diabetes is associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, including its more severe manifestations of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Elevations of hepatic transaminase concentrations are associated with higher BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels and lower HDL cholesterol levels.
• Noninvasive tests, such as elastography or fibrosis biomarkers, may be used to assess risk of fibrosis, but referral to a liver specialist and liver biopsy may be required for definitive diagnosis
• Interventions that improve metabolic abnormalities in patients with diabetes (weight loss, glycemic control, and treatment with specific drugs for hyperglycemia or dyslipidemia) are also beneficial for fatty liver disease
The preparation
Patients are asked to wear loose clothing and should be able to lie flat on an exam table for 10 minutes or more while the test is being performed. Patients are asked not to consume any liquids or solids for a minimum of 3 hours before the test to increase the likelihood of obtaining reliable test results. The scan typically takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, but patients should plan on being here for 30 minutes to allow time for preparation.
The procedure
The liver is located in the right upper abdomen under the rib cage. Patients are asked to lie flat on an examination table. A technician places the FibroScan probe (like an ultrasound probe) between the ribs on the right side of the lower chest wall. A series of painless pulses are then applied to the liver. The results are recorded on the equipment and an overall liver stiffness score is generated. The score is then interpreted by a qualified physician to predict the likelihood of advance fibrosis or cirrhosis.
There are no absolute contraindications for the test, although the presence of ascites prevents propagation of the vibration wave and therefore may result in failure to obtain readings. The manufacturer no longer restricts the use of this device in pregnancy and in patients with a pacemaker
After the procedure
It is not necessary to bring a driver for your liver FibroScan appointment. After the procedure, you will be immediately discharged from the procedure area and be able to leave without any restrictions. The doctor who completed and interpreted the procedure will review the result with you. A copy of test results will also be sent to the doctor who ordered your procedure. FibroScan results will be available in about 1-2 weeks.
Questions? Please Contact Dr. Zheng for a Consultation
To schedule a FibroScan, please call 925-318-1421