FibroScan®

Details

What can a FibroScan^® detect?

FibroScan®, also known as transient elastography, is a non-invasive and painless technology for assessing liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease. It uses a probe, which is placed on the skin surface, to release gentle shock waves that travel through the liver and measures the velocity of the waves. The faster the waves travel and bounce back, the stiffer the liver is and the more scarring the liver has. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score from FibroScan^® can also measure the fatty change in the liver, making it a valuable device in assessing fatty liver disease (hepatic steatosis).

How is FibroScan^® done?

You should fast for 3 hours before the examination.

During the examination, you will lie down on your back with your right arm raised behind your head.

A small amount of water-based gel will be applied to the right side of your abdomen.

A FibroScan^® probe will be placed on the skin between your right ribs to obtain the measurement.

You may feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe.

The scan takes approximately 5-10 minutes. You can receive the result immediately.

Who Should Get a FibroScan^®?

A CUHK’s study in 2013/14 revealed that 47% of diabetic patients have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), among which 33% have developed severe liver fibrosis despite having normal liver enzyme levels (e.g.: aspartate transaminase, AST). The findings reflected that liver enzyme levels were not the best marker for fatty liver or liver fibrosis. The liver-specialized ultrasound device FibroScan^® is non-invasive and could measures fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fatty change). The following group of people who are at higher risk for liver diseases are recommended to have their liver checked as part of a regular health assessment.

However, people with the following conditions are not recommended to take the examination:

• Pregnancy
• Implanted with a pacemaker/defibrillator
• Ascites
• Obesity
• Very small rib spaces