Fibroscan (Liver Stiffness Test)

What Is FibroScan?

FibroScan is a quick, painless, and non-invasive test that checks the stiffness and fat content of your liver. It’s often called the “liver scan” or “liver elastography”, and it helps doctors find out if there is fatty liver, liver fibrosis, or early signs of cirrhosis.
It’s like an ultrasound — no needles, no cuts, and no hospital stay.

❓ Why Is It Done?

FibroScan is used to assess liver health in conditions like:

• Fatty liver disease (NAFLD/NASH)
• Hepatitis B or C
• Alcohol-related liver disease
• Diabetes or obesity-related liver issues
• Unexplained liver enzyme elevation
• Monitoring liver fibrosis over time

🧠 It helps detect liver scarring (fibrosis) even before symptoms appear.

🛠 How Does It Work?

• You will lie on your back with your right hand behind your head.
• A probe (like an ultrasound) is placed on your skin over your liver.
• The machine sends gentle vibrations into your liver.
• These vibrations measure how stiff your liver is (more stiffness means more scarring).
• It also measures how much fat is present in your liver (steatosis).

⏱️ The entire procedure takes about 10–15 minutes.

⚙ What Do the Results Mean?

FibroScan gives 2 main results:

1. Liver stiffness (measured in kilopascals or kPa)
   • Higher values mean more scarring (fibrosis)
   • Used to detect or track cirrhosis
2. Fat content (called CAP score – Controlled Attenuation Parameter)
   • Tells you if you have fatty liver disease

Your doctor will explain your values and what they mean for your condition and treatment.

📋 How to Prepare

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing
• No injections, contrast, or radiation involved
• Can be done as an outpatient test – no hospital admission needed

✅ Good to Know:

• It’s painless — no blood, no anesthesia
• Safe for repeated use to track liver health over time
• Helps avoid the need for liver biopsy in many cases
• Suitable for children and adults

🧠 Who Should Get a FibroScan?

• If you have fatty liver, diabetes, obesity, or viral hepatitis
• If your liver enzymes are abnormal
• If you drink alcohol regularly
• If you are under treatment and your doctor wants to track improvement or worsening