Fibroscan is a non-invasive procedure usually done by gastroenterology specialist to assess liver health. This procedure involved ultrasound technology to assess presence of fibrosis or scarring in the liver. Scarring in liver cause due to various liver diseases or conditions. This information derived by Fibroscan is used by the gastroenterologist to plan your treatment strategy. In many instances Fibroscan eliminates the need of liver biopsy. Fibroscan results are used in a combination with other laboratory test results, clinical data, and imaging techniques to manage various conditions.

In this blog, we are going to see how Fibroscan is done and other essential details you need to know.  

Before the procedure

Before the procedure, the gastroenterologist will ask you to follow some steps which include: 

1. You need to wear loose clothing so that you can lie flat on an exam table. You may need to lie down for 10 minutes or more during the procedure and hence comfortable clothing is necessary. 
2. Do not consume any liquids or solids food at least 3 hours prior to the test. This help to obtain efficient and most reliable test results. 
3. You must plan for at least 30 minutes of time for the whole procedure. Though the entire scanning procedure typically takes only 10 to 15 minutes, but you will need some extra minutes for preparation.

The procedure

The liver is located under the rib cages of our body in the right upper abdomen. During the procedure, you will be asked to lie flat on the examination table. The gastro hospital technician will place the Fibroscan probe on the right side of the lower chest between your ribs. They will apply a series of painless pulses to the liver. The overall liver stiffness score and generated results from the test are recorded on the equipment. The specialist will then interpret the score to predict the liver condition if it’s an advanced fibrosis or liver cirrhosis.

After the procedure 

1. Here are few things you need to know:
2. You don’t need to bring a driver necessarily for your Fibroscan appointment in the gastro hospital.
3. You will be discharged immediately after the procedure.
4. There will be no restrictions levied on you after the procedure is done. 
5. Typically, the Fibroscan results are available in one to two weeks.
6. The examining doctor will send the test results and interpretation report your doctor who referred you to go under this procedure.

Associated risks 

Although the Fibroscan test is entirely a simple, non-invasive, and painless procedure yet it may cause some side-effects. It depends on the physical condition of the patient if they should be recommended to go under this procedure or not. Fibroscan test is not recommended for patients with: 

1. Fluid in the abdomen due to various condition such as ascites, variceal bleeding or hepatic encephalopathy
2. Small rib spaces
3. People with heart conditions 
4. Acute hepatitis
5. Severe obesity
6. People who are not able to lie flat

At Park Hospital, we offer efficient Fibroscan facility and other liver treatment supported by the best gastroenterologists and cutting-edge technology. Book your appointment today to know more about our services and specialists.