What is Fibroscan®?
Fibroscan® (transient elastography) is a non-invasive, painless liver assessment technology that measures the stiffness of the liver as a marker of liver fibrosis (scarring), as well as the fat content of the liver (steatosis).
It is performed using a device placed on the skin overlying the liver, similar to an ultrasound probe. Fibroscan® provides real-time, reproducible measurements without the need for liver biopsy, significantly reducing the risk and discomfort associated with traditional liver assessment methods.
Who Should Have a Fibroscan®?
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C infection
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD / NASH)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis or primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Metabolic syndrome, obesity, or type 2 diabetes with elevated liver enzymes
- Monitoring of known liver fibrosis
- Assessment prior to initiating hepatitis treatment
How the Procedure Works
Preparation
You fast for at least 2 hours before the test. No special bowel preparation is required.
Positioning
You lie on your back with your right arm raised. Gel is applied to your right side, similar to an abdominal ultrasound.
Measurement
The Fibroscan® probe is placed on the skin. It emits a mild vibration and uses ultrasound to measure the speed of the wave through the liver — a marker of stiffness.
Results
Results are available immediately. Your specialist discusses the liver stiffness score and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) with you.
Understanding Your Results
Fibroscan® provides two key measurements: the liver stiffness measurement (LSM) in kPa, which correlates with the degree of fibrosis (F0–F4), and the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in dB/m, which estimates fat content. These results are interpreted alongside blood tests, imaging, and clinical context by your specialist.