What is a Fibroscan and why do I need it?
A Fibroscan is a type of ultrasound that can measure the degree of scarring (fibrosis) and fat you have in your liver. It is a simple, painless test that uses high frequency sound waves.
The Fibroscan is only one part of an assessment process that will help to find out the degree of liver disease. Other tests such as ultrasound reports, blood results and relevant clinical information will also be need to be taken into account.
Your doctor or consultant recommended that you have this to help us understand the condition of your liver.
What are the benefits of this Fibroscan?
Having a Fibroscan will help to find out how much scarring is in your liver. This will help to plan your treatment. The procedure does not have any potential complications or risks. This is a non-invasive test. It does not break the skin.
Are there any special precautions?
If you are pregnant or have an implantable device such as a pacemaker or internal defibrillator you can still have the Fibroscan. You must let your doctor or consultant know if you think this applies to you.
What do I need to do to prepare for the Fibroscan?
Please do not eat or drink anything for 3 hours before your Fibroscan. If you need to you can take small sips of water or clear fluid. Avoid drinking large amounts. You should continue taking any prescribed medication.
You will not need to remove any clothing for the scan. We will need to expose the right side of your tummy (abdomen).
What happens before the Fibroscan?
A qualified Fibroscan Technician or another member of the Hepatology Team will call you into one of the consulting rooms. You will be able to ask any questions you have. Once you have discussed the scan, and agree to go ahead, you will have the procedure.
What happens during the Fibroscan?
You will be asked to lie on an examination bed. Then place your right arm above your head and your right leg over your left leg. A Fibroscan Technician will feel your tummy to find the right place to do the scan.
They will then place a probe on your abdomen and then trigger the probe to start. The sound waves will be sent out from the probe in pulses. These pulses will pass through your skin to your liver and bounce back. This should not hurt and you should only feel a gentle flick against the side of your skin.
The scanner measures the time it takes for the sound wave to bounce back. We will repeat this procedure at least 10 times to make sure we get an accurate result. The average (mean) reading is then calculated by the scanner. This will show your doctor the degree of liver stiffness. The scan should take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete. In a small number of cases a successful Fibroscan reading cannot be obtained.
What happens after the Fibroscan?
When the Fibroscan is finished you will be able to go home or return to work.
The results will be sent to the doctor or consultant who referred you. They will contact you to discuss any suggested treatment and follow up appointment if needed.
Further advice?
This information sheet has been given to you to help answer some questions you may have about the Fibroscan procedure. If you need more advice please contact the doctor or consultant who referred you.
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