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Gastro Science | Posted on 08/23/2024 by Dr. Anil Kumar Jangid
Do you have a fatty liver? If yes, chances are your doctor might recommend elastography, also called fibroscan. It’s a type of liver elastography and ultrasound technology that measures liver stiffness and detects changes in liver fat. With a fibroscan, it becomes easier for the doctor to understand more about liver disease. So, if you are recomended to have fibroscan test, you can book your appointment with one of the Best Gastroenterologist In Jaipur at CK Birla Hospitals.
Fibroscan is a device and non-invasive procedure approved by the FDA recently for determining the liver scarring extent or fibrosis that occurred because of several liver illnesses. It is just like conventional liver ultrasound, however, is fast, easy, and painless, and delivers a comprehensive non-surgical substitute to the traditional liver biopsy for evaluating liver damage.
If your doctor suspects liver disease, a fibroscan is recommended as it assists them in assessing the liver health and determining liver fibrosis indicating the extent and existence of the liver disease or damage. Fibroscan uses advanced technology called transient elastography to measure liver stiffness.
A fibroscan test is recommended by a doctor when he/she suspects that certain diseases are affecting the liver. Here is why there is a need for a fibroscan test:
The Fibroscan liver test is a simple procedure. You are advised to fast for about three hours before the test, consuming only clear fluids during that time. It's also recommended to wear comfortable clothing, such as loose dresses or shirts.
It helps you to move around or reposition while the nurse assesses the right upper abdomen. It is highly suggested not to wear tight clothing outfits during the procedure. The doctor further might ask you to rest on the bed for a few minutes before initiating the test. It is so that measurements can be taken while the body is resting.
During a fibroscan, you will lie on your back with your right arm lifted behind your head. Usually on the right side of your belly, over your liver, a small amount of water-based gel is placed on your skin. After that, the technician or doctor will apply a probe — similar to an ultrasound device to your skin, just above the liver.
The Fibroscan device sends painless, low-frequency sound waves (shear waves) into your liver, and as these waves pass through the liver tissue, the device measures the speed at which they travel, which correlates with liver stiffness. The entire procedure typically takes about 10-15 minutes. Fibroscan is a quick and easy test that provides valuable information about liver health and is often used as an alternative to liver biopsy for assessing liver disease.
Many conditions cause stiffness in the liver and hence affect the test results displaying it to be very high, which is not right. There are chances of less scarring than the tests result recommend and it occurs when the patient has the following conditions:
Fibroscan also involves giving correct results or no results if the patient has:
Here is how to interpret the fibroscan test results:
Fibroscan is the latest technological advancement in the medical field. If you are diagnosed with liver illness, your doctor might recommend a fibroscan liver test. If the fear of a liver biopsy is stopping you from moving forward with the test for a fatty liver, then consult the doctor.
With a fibroscan, your doctor will take care of everything. This test is non-invasive, fast, and painless which can help your doctor to understand your condition comprehensively. People with fatty liver must not delay their appointment and must consult a specialist about fibroscan tests.
If you are looking for a healthcare service, then reach out to Rukmani Birla Hospital, the multispeciality hospital in Jaipur. It has integrated the most talented and highly experienced healthcare professionals.
A fibroscan measures liver stiffness to evaluate the extent of fibrosis or liver damage, helping diagnose liver conditions.
Yes, fibroscan can detect cirrhosis by assessing liver stiffness, which increases with the severity of fibrosis.
Typically, eating is allowed before a fibroscan. However, follow any specific instructions advised by your doctor.
The normal range of the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) in fibroscan is generally between 100 and 300 dB/m.
Yes, you can drink water before a fibroscan. Ensure to follow any additional instructions given by your doctor.
No, fibroscan is designed to assess liver stiffness and fibrosis but cannot detect liver cancer or other tumours.
The cost of a fibroscan typically ranges between 5000-10,000 depending on the location and hospital.
