What is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a test used to look at the liver. It helps your provider look for liver damage. The test uses sound waves from a special wand. The wand is placed on the skin of the belly that is over the liver. The test will check 2 things:
- the amount of fat in the liver (called steatosis)
- any scars in the liver (called fibrosis)
Fat or scars in the liver can be caused by liver disease.
FibroScan testing is quick, painless and easy.
Your doctor may order a FibroScan test if you have one of these liver problems:
- Autoimmune Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Genetic Diseases (such as Hemochromatosis and Wilson’s Disease)
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
- Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
It is also used after liver transplant to look at liver health.
How is the FibroScan done?
- Your child will lie on their back.
- Your child will raise their right arm behind their head.
- Your child will cross their right leg over their left leg. This will help us see the right side of their belly area.
- A water-based gel will be put on a wand. Then the wand is put on the skin over your child’s liver.
What should you know about the FibroScan
- Your child will not need any medicines to make them sleepy.
- Your child should wear loose fitting clothing.
- The FibroScan takes about 5 minutes.
- You cannot hear the sound waves from the wand.
- During the test, your child may feel a little shaking on the skin that touches the tip of the wand. This happens as the ultrasound waves are sent.
What happens after the FibroScan Test?
The computer will make a report of the results from your test. The results will be given to your doctor. You will be given the results during your clinic visit.