Is FibroScan the same as an ultrasound?

It uses similar technology but measures something different. A regular ultrasound shows the shape of the liver; FibroScan measures its stiffness and fat. The two often complement each other.

Can FibroScan replace a liver biopsy?

For many people, yes, it gives enough information to guide treatment without a needle. Sometimes a biopsy is still needed, and the doctor will explain why.

Why do I need to come empty stomach?

Blood flow to the liver rises after eating, which can make the liver seem stiffer than it is. Fasting for 3 hours gives a truer reading.

How often should it be repeated?

It depends on your condition and the first result. Many people with fatty liver or hepatitis have it repeated to see how the liver responds to treatment and lifestyle changes.

Test or procedure

FibroScan

FibroScan is a quick, needle-free scan that measures how much fat is in your liver and how stiff it has become. Stiffness points to scarring (fibrosis), so the test helps track fatty liver, hepatitis and other liver conditions without a biopsy.

Also called: Fibro scan, liver stiffness test, liver fat test, transient elastography

A patient lying relaxed during a FibroScan liver test.

Duration10 minSedationNone needed

What it is

FibroScan is a special type of ultrasound. A probe placed on the skin over your liver sends a gentle pulse of vibration through the liver and measures how fast it travels. Stiffer, more scarred liver lets it travel faster. The same scan also estimates how much fat is in the liver. It gives two numbers, one for stiffness and one for fat, which Dr. Tumma reads together with your blood tests, ultrasound and history.

Why it is done

Fatty liver found on an ultrasound or in blood tests
Long-term hepatitis B or C, to check for scarring and decide on treatment
Diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol, which raise the chance of liver damage
Regular alcohol use, to see how the liver has been affected
Following up liver scarring or cirrhosis over time and checking the response to treatment

Before: how to prepare

Nothing to eat for 3 hours before the scan. A meal can make the reading falsely high.
You can take your usual medicines with a little water.
Wear a loose top or a two-piece outfit so the right side of your tummy is easy to reach.
Bring previous liver blood tests, ultrasound reports and any earlier FibroScan results.
Tell us beforehand if you have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device, or if you are pregnant.

On the day

Lying down
You lie on your back with your right arm raised above your head, which opens up the spaces between the ribs.
Gel and probe
A little cool gel is applied to the right side of your chest and tummy, and the probe is placed between the ribs over the liver.
Readings
Several readings are taken. You feel a light tapping or flicking with each one, but no pain.
Your numbers
The machine shows the results at once, and the doctor explains what they mean for you.

After

There is no recovery time; you can eat, drive and go back to work straight away.
Wipe off the gel; it does not stain.
Your numbers are one part of the picture. The doctor may suggest blood tests, an ultrasound or an endoscopy depending on the result.
If you are being treated for a liver condition, ask when your next FibroScan should be.

Results. You get your results on the spot, with a stiffness score and a fat score. Dr. Tumma explains them in the context of your blood tests and history, and plans next steps with you.

Risks, explained honestly

Common and mild

No real side effects; the gel may feel cold
A light tapping feeling on the skin during the readings

Rare but serious

No known serious risks. It uses sound waves and vibration, not X-rays or needles
Readings can be less reliable after a recent meal, with obesity, with fluid in the tummy (ascites), or during a flare of hepatitis or heart failure; the test may then need repeating or another test may be advised