What is FibroScan?
FibroScan testing is a quick and non-invasive imaging technique that measures liver scarring or fibrosis caused by various liver diseases. In addition to evaluating fibrosis, it also quantifies the amount of fat in the liver. The imaging modality offers a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage. How is a FibroScan performed? Before the test, your healthcare provider may ask you about your medical history, including any allergies or medications you are taking. During the procedure, the patient is asked to lie on their back (supine position), and the probe is placed on the skin over the liver area, typically on the right side of the ribcage. The probe sends out sound waves that passes through the skin and bounce back from the liver. These vibrations create a mild sensation but it is generally painless. The sound waves penetrate the skin, tissues and muscles of the abdomen to assess liver stiffness. Depending on how fast the ultrasound waves pass th...