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What is FibroScan?

FibroScan by Echosens is an FDA-approved noninvasive diagnostic tool that measures liver scarring (fibrosis) and liver fat (steatosis) in people with liver disease. It’s an elastography test, an imaging test that measures the hardness of an organ.

The FibroScan uses ultrasound technology that causes vibrations in the liver. The technology measures how quickly the vibrations move through your liver. The faster the movement, the stiffer the tissue.

If the FibroScan test shows you have stiffness in the liver, then you have scarring. Your liver is a vital organ that stores energy, removes toxins, and makes essential proteins. Liver scarring affects these functions and your overall health. 

I have hepatitis. Do I need a FibroScan?

Your medical provider could request a FibroScan if you have hepatitis, and they want to determine if you have liver scarring. The noninvasive diagnostic test is used to evaluate many types of liver disease, including:

• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the liver)
• Wilson’s disease (too much copper in the liver)

Your provider might also request a FibroScan to monitor liver health and function over time.

What happens during a FibroScan?

Your provider at Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC reviews the details of your FibroScan before the test so that you know what to expect.

The test requires no sedation, so there’s nothing you need to do to prepare for the test. The team, however, requests that you wear loose-fitted clothing that allows access to your abdomen.

Your technician applies a gel to your abdomen and then places the FibroScan wand on your skin over your liver. You could feel vibrations in your skin from the wand during your test.

The FibroScan test takes about five minutes.

When can I expect results from my FibroScan?

Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC employs fellowship-trained radiologists specializing in liver disease to evaluate the results of your FibroScan and complete a report within 24 hours.

Your provider will contact you to discuss the results.

FibroScan is a quick and painless test for liver disease. Call Advanced Women’s Imaging LLC today or click the online booking button to learn more about this advanced diagnostic test.