Fibroscan is a specialized ultrasound procedure designed to measure the stiffness of the liver, helping in acquiring informative details of your liver health. It is a non-invasive test that utilizes ultrasound technology to determine scarring or fibrosis in the liver.
Also commonly known as ultrasound elastography, the Fibroscan test checks the elasticity of liver tissue, which is a major indicator of liver condition.
Motive of the Test
Hepatologists or Liver Specialists use the Fibroscan test to detect liver diseases and unusual liver conditions. This scan is helpful in diagnosis and assists doctors provide more efficient treatments. Main aspects that the Fibroscan can show about the Liver:
- Stiffness of Liver
- Liver scarring
- The extent of fibrosis
- Guidance for treatment planning
When to Take the Fibrosis Scan?
People with liver fibrosis or scarring mostly do not display any symptoms. However, a Fibroscan test is advised if you encounter any of the following indications of liver disease:
- Fatigue
- Itching
- Continual weight loss
- Yellowing of the skin
- Nosebleeds
- Swelling in the lower limbs
- Confusion
The Fibroscan test is usually used to diagnose different liver conditions, including:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Liver cirrhosis
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Wilson’s disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cirrhosis
How the scan is done?
- Your doctor will have you lie on your back and expose the right side of your abdomen.
- A gel is then applied to your skin in this particular area.
- A device known as transducer is softly moved over the spot where your liver is located.
- The transducer directs sound waves into the liver, which then bounce back.
- The particular process is without any pain, including some minor discomfort when the probe is in use.
- The returning sound waves are displayed on a monitor. The complete procedure takes a few minutes to finish.
Benefits of Fibroscan of the Liver compared to Liver Biopsy
- Very simple and uncomplicated
- Easy availability and affordable
- Gives a complete Liver Spectrum
- Gives all the details under medications