A FibroScan is a pain-free test that checks your liver health without surgery. It uses special sound waves to measure liver stiffness and fat buildup. This quick test helps doctors find liver damage early and plan treatment.

This guide explains everything about FibroScan testing. You’ll learn what happens during the test, how much it costs, and why doctors use it instead of other liver tests. Whether your doctor just ordered this test or you want to learn more about liver health, this article has the answers you need.

What Liver Conditions Can FibroScan Detect?

Common Liver Diseases Diagnosed with FibroScan

FibroScan helps doctors find and track many liver problems:

Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease happens when too much fat is stored in liver cells, which puts you at risk for liver damage. Many people have this condition and don’t even know it. FibroScan can catch it early.

Hepatitis B and C

When the liver becomes infected with Hepatitis B or C virus, it causes liver swelling and puts you at higher risk of developing cirrhosis or liver cancer. FibroScan helps track how these infections affect your liver over time.

Alcoholic Liver Disease

This is liver damage caused by drinking more alcohol than your liver can process, creating swelling that can cause serious scarring called cirrhosis. If caught early, stopping alcohol can help your liver heal.

Cirrhosis

This is the most serious form of liver scarring. With a cutoff value of 17.6 kPa, FibroScan can diagnose cirrhosis with 92% negative and 91% positive accuracy. Finding cirrhosis early is critical for treatment.

Early Detection Saves Lives

Your liver is tough and can fix itself for years without showing signs of trouble until it goes into the final stages of liver failure. This makes early testing so important.

Quick, simple, and risk-free, a FibroScan can find early signs of liver damage that would otherwise go unnoticed. When doctors catch problems early, they can often stop or reverse the damage before it becomes permanent.

Many people don’t feel sick until their liver is badly damaged. That’s why doctors recommend FibroScan testing for anyone with risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or a history of drinking alcohol.

The FibroScan Procedure Explained

Preparing for Your FibroScan Test

Getting ready for a FibroScan is easy. Here’s what you need to do:

Don’t eat or drink anything for at least three hours before your test time. This helps the machine get clear readings.

Wear loose-fitting clothes to your appointment because you’ll need to have your belly area exposed so the ultrasound can be placed on the skin near your liver.

You can take your regular medicines. The test doesn’t require any shots or needles. FibroScan requires no sedation of any kind, so you can drive yourself to and from the test.

What Happens During the Test?

The actual FibroScan exam is quick and comfortable:

You lie on your back with your right arm above your head, giving access to your right rib cage so your liver can be scanned. This position opens up the space between your ribs.

A staff member places a probe similar to an ultrasound probe on your side near where your liver is. They put gel on your skin first, just like a regular ultrasound.

You may feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe as it delivers ultrasound waves to measure your liver. This doesn’t hurt at all. Some people barely feel anything.

FibroScan tests take about 15 minutes or so to complete and are typically comfortable. The test itself only takes 5-10 minutes, with the rest of the time for setup and instructions.

After Your FibroScan Appointment

The exam itself typically lasts only about 5 to 10 minutes, though you should allow some extra time for preparation and post-exam discussions. Plan for about 30-45 minutes total at the clinic.

You can resume normal activities immediately afterward with no restrictions. No recovery time is needed. You can go back to work, drive, eat, and do everything normally.

Results are often ready within 1 to 2 days, whereas results of a liver biopsy might take up to two weeks. Your doctor will call you or schedule a follow-up visit to explain what your results mean for your health.

Understanding Your FibroScan Results

Your FibroScan measures liver stiffness and fat levels, but what those numbers mean can vary. It’s best to have your results reviewed by your healthcare provider, who will explain them clearly and discuss any next steps or follow-up care.

FibroScan vs. Liver Biopsy

Why FibroScan Is Better for Most Patients

Before FibroScan, liver biopsies were the only way to check for liver scarring. But biopsies have many downsides:

Liver biopsy is an invasive test that requires the patient to be hospitalized for half a day, is expensive, and is associated with risks such as pain and bleeding.

Sampling error may occur in up to 25-30% of liver biopsies, and different pathologists can interpret the same sample differently. This means sometimes biopsies give wrong answers.

FibroScan is completely non-invasive and painless, takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and many patients find it far more comfortable than a biopsy.

Key Advantages of FibroScan

No Needles or Surgery

Unlike liver biopsies which involve inserting a needle into the liver to collect tissue samples, FibroScan is entirely non-invasive. Nothing goes into your body.

Fast and Convenient

The test takes only 5-7 minutes to perform, is significantly less expensive than liver biopsy, and has not been associated with any side effects.

Can Be Repeated Safely

With no restriction on how often it can be used, a FibroScan can monitor the progression, stagnation, or improvement of liver disease following diagnosis. You can have as many FibroScan tests as needed without any risk.

More Complete Picture

FibroScan examines an area of the liver at least 100 times larger than the tissue sample taken by liver biopsy. This gives doctors better information about your entire liver.

When Liver Biopsy Is Still Needed

Liver biopsy provides a complete evaluation of liver fibrosis, inflammation, and other associated conditions, allowing for precise diagnosis and staging of liver diseases.

Some situations where biopsy may still be necessary:

• When doctors need to identify the exact type of liver disease
• When FibroScan results are unclear or contradictory
• When detailed information about inflammation is needed
• For certain research studies

Your doctor will discuss which test is right for your situation. Many times, FibroScan gives all the information needed without requiring a biopsy.

Living with Liver Disease

Diet Changes That Help

• Reduce sugar and processed foods
• Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains
• Choose lean proteins like fish and chicken
• Limit saturated fats and trans fats
• Drink plenty of water

Exercise for Liver Health

Regular physical activity helps reduce liver fat. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. This can be as simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes five days a week.

Even small weight loss helps. Losing just 5-10% of your body weight can significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.

Working with Your Healthcare Team

Regular follow-up is key when managing liver disease. Your doctor may recommend:

• Repeat FibroScan tests every 6-12 months
• Blood tests to check liver function
• Ultrasounds to look for complications
• Referral to a liver specialist if needed

At Yorktown Health, we provide comprehensive care for patients with liver concerns as part of our chronic disease management services. Our team works with you to create personalized treatment plans that fit your lifestyle.

Medications That May Help

Depending on your specific liver condition, your doctor might prescribe:

• Antiviral drugs for hepatitis B or C
• Medications to reduce liver inflammation
• Drugs to help with weight loss, like GLP-1 medications or Semaglutide
• Medications to manage diabetes or cholesterol

Never start, stop, or change medications without talking to your doctor first. Some over-the-counter drugs and supplements can harm your liver, even if they seem natural or safe.

Frequently Asked Questions About FibroScan

Is FibroScan Painful?

FibroScans are not at all painful, and no sedation is needed. Most people only feel a slight vibration. It’s similar to having a regular ultrasound during pregnancy.

How Long Does FibroScan Take?

The procedure takes about 5 minutes, though your appointment will last about 30 minutes total. The extra time is for check-in, preparation, and questions.

Can I Eat Before FibroScan?

No. Don’t eat or drink anything for at least three hours before your scheduled procedure time. Food in your stomach can affect the test accuracy.

How Often Can I Have FibroScan?

With no restriction on the frequency of use, a FibroScan can monitor liver disease as often as your doctor recommends. Because it’s completely safe, you can have multiple tests without any risk.

Will My Insurance Pay for FibroScan?

Some insurance plans might cover the whole cost of a FibroScan in full, while others could require a copayment or coinsurance. Check with your insurance company before your appointment to understand your costs.

Final Thoughts

FibroScan has changed how doctors check liver health. This quick, painless test gives important information about liver scarring and fat buildup without surgery or needles. It’s safer, faster, and more comfortable than liver biopsies while providing accurate results that help guide treatment decisions.

If you have risk factors for liver disease or your doctor has recommended a FibroScan, don’t put it off. Early detection of liver problems makes treatment much more effective. Many types of liver damage can be reversed or stopped from getting worse when caught early.

At Yorktown Health in Vernon Hills, we offer comprehensive care for patients with liver concerns and metabolic conditions. Our team provides personalized treatment plans, including weight management support, diabetes management, and ongoing monitoring through our chronic disease management program.

Taking care of your liver health is one of the most important things you can do for your overall wellbeing. Schedule your annual physical today to discuss whether a FibroScan might be right for you. Your liver works hard for you every day—give it the attention it deserves.

Ready to learn more about your liver health? Contact us to schedule an appointment with our experienced healthcare team.