What is FibroScan? and How Can It Help to diagnose liver diseases?- Kaizen Gastro Care
What is FibroScan? and How Can It Help to diagnose liver diseases?
What Is Fibroscan?
Fibroscan is a non-invasive medical technique utilized to evaluate the scope of liver damage in individuals with chronic liver disease. The test is based on quick elastography, which calculates the speed of a vibration wave as it travels via the liver tissue. Fibroscan Test is widely used as an alternative to liver biopsy, which is a more invasive and painful procedure. The test works by measuring the stiffness of the liver, which can indicate the amount of scarring or fibrosis that has occurred.
Who needs a Fibroscan?
Fibroscan is recommended for individuals with chronic liver disease, including:
- Hepatitis B or C infection
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Autoimmune liver disease
In addition, the Fibroscan test can be used as a screening tool for liver disease, particularly in populations with a high prevalence of liver disease, such as individuals with a history of intravenous drug use or those from regions where hepatitis B or C is endemic. Dr. Vikrant Kale at Kaizen Gastro Care is a specialist in liver diseases and performs Fibroscan tests as part of his practice. If you have been diagnosed with a liver disease, or have risk factors for liver disease, it is recommended that you consult with Dr. Kale to determine whether a Fibroscan test is appropriate for your case.
How is the test performed?
What does the result indicate?
The fibroscan outcome is represented in kilopascals (kPa), which is a measure of liver immobility. The higher the kPa value, the more fibrotic or damaged the liver is. The result can be interpreted as follows:
- Less than 7.0 kPa: No or minimal fibrosis
- 7.0-9.5 kPa: Mild to moderate fibrosis
- 9.5-12.5 kPa: Significant fibrosis
- More than 12.5 kPa: Severe fibrosis or cirrhosis
What are the benefits of Fibroscan?
Fibroscan has several benefits over liver biopsy, including:
- Non-invasive: Fibroscan is a non-invasive procedure that does not require any needles or incisions.
- Painless: The test is painless and does not cause any discomfort or bleeding.
- Quick: The test takes only 10 to 15 minutes to complete.
- Accurate: Fibroscan is a reliable tool for assessing liver fibrosis and can detect even mild fibrosis that may be missed by liver biopsy.
