FibroScan

The FibroScan is a diagnostic procedure that assesses the stiffness (elasticity) of liver tissue using ultrasound technology. It is frequently used to evaluate liver function and identify diseases such as fibrosis, viral hepatitis, and fatty liver disease (scarring of the liver). A small handheld instrument is applied to the skin above the liver during a fibroscan. The machine delivers a secure, painless pulse of ultrasound energy into the liver and analyses how quickly it moves through the organ. The stiffness of the liver tissue is determined using these data. A fibroscan usually takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete and is done at a doctor’s office or clinic. Since there are no incisions or injections required, the process is non-invasive. Additionally, it is fast and comparatively painless, with the majority of patients only reporting minimal discomfort. A fibroscan typically yields results that are available right away. A medical professional will analyze the findings, evaluate the liver’s status, and make any necessary diagnoses.

 



PROCEDURE

A summary of the process is provided here:

 

 

     

    • Fatty liver disease: Fatty liver disease is a disorder in which extra fat builds up in the liver and can be diagnosed and tracked with FibroScan. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate how well treatments for fatty liver disease are working.
    • Viral hepatitis: A range of infectious disorders that damage the liver can be diagnosed and tracked with FibroScan. It can also be used to evaluate how well a viral hepatitis treatment is working.
    • Fibrosis: The liver-scarring condition known as fibrosis can be detected and tracked using FibroScan. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis and the possibility of developing liver cirrhosis (a severe form of scarring). FibroScan can be used to identify and track alcohol-related liver disease, a collection of diseases brought on by excessive alcohol intake. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate the disease’s severity and the possibility of liver cirrhosis.
    • Other liver conditions: FibroScan is able to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis, and Wilson’s disease in addition to evaluating the health of the liver.

    It’s crucial to remember that these are only a few of the ailments for which a doctor might advise a FibroScan. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about whether you might require a fibroscan.

     


     

    ADVANTAGES:

    Compared to other tests used to evaluate liver health, FibroScan has a number of benefits.

      • Since FibroScan doesn’t require any injections or incisions, it is a non-invasive technique. Compared to other procedures, such as a liver biopsy, which requires extracting a small sample of liver tissue for analysis, this is therefore a safer and less dangerous option.
      • FibroScan is a pretty short treatment that takes approximately 10–15 minutes to execute. It is also relatively painless. Additionally, it is comparatively painless, with the majority of patients only reporting minimal discomfort.
      • It does not expose you to radiation, unlike other tests like CT scans and PET scans that do. It is therefore a safer option, especially for those who might be more radiation-sensitive (such as pregnant women and children).
      • It is more accurate than other procedures, such as liver biopsies, in determining the stiffness of the liver. It is also more accurate than other non-invasive techniques, such as elastography for measuring liver stiffness.

       

         

        • Preparation: Before the exam, you’ll be asked to take off any clothing or jewellery that might get in the way. Wearing a hospital gown may be required.
        • Position: On an examination table, you will lie on your back. The medical professional will apply a transducer, a small handheld device, to the skin over the liver.
        • Method: The liver will be exposed to a painless, safe pulse of ultrasonic energy, and the transducer will measure how quickly the energy moves through the tissue. The stiffness of the liver tissue is determined using these data. Usually, the process lasts between 10 and 15 minutes.
        • Findings: The FibroScan’s findings are typically accessible right away. A medical professional will analyse the findings, evaluate the liver’s status, and make any necessary diagnoses.

        The painless, non-invasive FibroScan technique is typically well tolerated. The majority of people simply feel a little discomfort when doing the exam.

        Overall, FibroScan is a secure and reliable approach to evaluating liver health and identifying disorders affecting the liver. Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or worries about the operation.

         



        CONDITIONS

        Here are some ailments for which a doctor might advise a FibroScan:

           

          • Fatty liver disease: Fatty liver disease is a disorder in which extra fat builds up in the liver and can be diagnosed and tracked with FibroScan. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate how well treatments for fatty liver disease are working.
          • Viral hepatitis: A range of infectious disorders that damage the liver can be diagnosed and tracked with FibroScan. It can also be used to evaluate how well a viral hepatitis treatment is working.
          • Fibrosis: The liver-scarring condition known as fibrosis can be detected and tracked using FibroScan. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis and the possibility of developing liver cirrhosis (a severe form of scarring). FibroScan can be used to identify and track alcohol-related liver disease, a collection of diseases brought on by excessive alcohol intake. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate the disease’s severity and the possibility of liver cirrhosis.
          • Other liver conditions: FibroScan is able to diagnose autoimmune hepatitis, biliary cirrhosis, and Wilson’s disease in addition to evaluating the health of the liver.

          It’s crucial to remember that these are only a few of the ailments for which a doctor might advise a FibroScan. It is recommended that you talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about whether you might require a fibroscan.

           


           

          ADVANTAGES:

          Compared to other tests used to evaluate liver health, FibroScan has a number of benefits.

            • Since FibroScan doesn’t require any injections or incisions, it is a non-invasive technique. Compared to other procedures, such as a liver biopsy, which requires extracting a small sample of liver tissue for analysis, this is therefore a safer and less dangerous option.
            • FibroScan is a pretty short treatment that takes approximately 10–15 minutes to execute. It is also relatively painless. Additionally, it is comparatively painless, with the majority of patients only reporting minimal discomfort.
            • It does not expose you to radiation, unlike other tests like CT scans and PET scans that do. It is therefore a safer option, especially for those who might be more radiation-sensitive (such as pregnant women and children).
            • It is more accurate than other procedures, such as liver biopsies, in determining the stiffness of the liver. It is also more accurate than other non-invasive techniques, such as elastography for measuring liver stiffness.