FibroScan
FibroScan
Changes to your liver can develop without causing obvious symptoms. A FibroScan provides a quick way to assess the amount of fat in your liver and look for signs of scarring, without needles or sedation.
What is a FibroScan?
A FibroScan is a non-invasive test that gives your specialist more information about the health of your liver.
It uses a technology called transient elastography. This sends a gentle vibration through the liver and measures how quickly it travels. The reading helps assess liver stiffness, which can be a sign of fibrosis. Fibrosis means scar tissue has developed following ongoing damage or inflammation.
The scan can also measure fatty changes within the liver. This can be particularly useful when assessing fatty liver disease (MASLD).
Unlike a liver biopsy, FibroScan doesn’t involve taking a tissue sample. Some people may still need other investigations if their results don’t provide enough information.
What can a FibroScan show?
A FibroScan provides two important pieces of information about your liver.
It can estimate how much fat is present and measure stiffness within the tissue. Increased stiffness can be associated with fibrosis, which may become more advanced if liver damage continues over time.
Your specialist can use the findings to:
- Assess your risk of significant liver scarring
- Monitor changes in an existing liver condition
- See how your liver health changes over time
- Decide if further tests or follow-up may be useful
A FibroScan result isn’t considered in isolation. Your doctor will look at it alongside your medical history, blood tests and other investigations to build a clearer picture of your health.
Why might I need a FibroScan?
You may be referred for a FibroScan after another test suggests that your liver needs a closer look. It can also be used to keep track of a condition that has already been diagnosed.
Your doctor might recommend one if:
- Blood tests show ongoing changes in your liver enzymes
- An ultrasound has found excess fat in your liver
- You have a condition that can cause fibrosis over time
- Your specialist wants to monitor known liver disease
People with MASLD can feel well even when changes are taking place in the liver. A FibroScan can help assess the level of scarring risk without relying on symptoms alone.
Our Gastroenterology and Hepatology specialists can advise if this test is appropriate as part of your assessment.
Preparing for a FibroScan
There’s very little preparation involved, but having food in your stomach can affect liver stiffness measurements.
You’ll usually be asked not to eat for at least three hours before your appointment. Water is generally allowed during this time. Follow the instructions provided by your clinic, as these take priority.
Wear comfortable clothing that makes it easy to access the right side of your upper abdomen.
If you have questions about your preparation or medicines before the appointment, contact your care team for advice.
What happens during a FibroScan?
You’ll lie on your back on an examination bed with your right arm raised to make it easier to reach the area over your liver.
A small amount of gel is applied to your skin, then a handheld probe is placed between your ribs on the right side of your body. The probe sends gentle pulses into the liver and records a series of measurements.
You may notice a light tapping or vibration, but the test shouldn’t hurt.
The scan itself usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes. You’ll stay awake throughout and there’s no need for sedation.
Recovering from a FibroScan
There’s no recovery period. You can leave after the test and continue with your usual activities straight away.
The measurements are available immediately, but the numbers need to be interpreted in the context of your individual health. Your specialist will explain what they mean and let you know if you need monitoring, further investigation or changes to your care.
Risks of a FibroScan
FibroScan doesn’t use radiation and no needles are involved. It’s considered a very safe test with no significant known side effects.
Occasionally, it may not be possible to obtain a reliable measurement. Factors such as the depth of the liver or fluid around it can make readings more difficult to collect. If this happens, your specialist can explain if another type of assessment is needed.
Book a private FibroScan with Complete Health Australia
A liver test can raise questions, particularly when you feel well and aren’t expecting anything to be wrong. At Complete Health Australia, we’ll help you understand why a FibroScan has been recommended and what your results mean for you.
Our Gastroenterology and Hepatology team provides specialist assessment for liver conditions, with testing and follow-up planned around your individual needs.
Meet our specialists
Our gastroenterology and hepatology specialists assess and manage a wide range of liver conditions. They’ll review your FibroScan in the context of your wider health, explain the findings clearly and guide you through any next steps that may be needed.
Sources
- https://www.gesa.org.au/common/Uploaded%20files/GESA/Professional%20Resources/Clinical%20Resources/CR-090_Understanding%20Liver%20Tests%202024_0.0_2024.pdf
- https://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/liver_health?tab=about-your-liver
- https://www.hepatitisaustralia.com/monitoring-hepatitis-b
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/fatty-liver
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