What is a Fibroscan?

[Charlie-legs]

My friend is having one and I don't know what it is. Could someone explain it, please.

[Hidden]

Like an ultra sound which measure liver stiffness and fat. Supposed to be very accurate but people on here say it’s not in some cases.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

No one test can accurately see what the liver is doing, these tests should be done in combination with other tests to create a bigger picture of what is going on. If all test results are fine then it’s safe to say there is nothing wrong with the liver.

[Hidden]

Hi Charlie.A fibroscan measures liver damage.

It's a simple painless test using high frequency soundwaves which will determine the condition of your liver. Assuming you have had blood tests and an ultrasound scan results, it is very reliable in revealing the bigger picture .

Best wishes.

Laura

[Hidden]

Can I just gently remind people that the appropriateness and accuracy of investigations is something to be discussed with the doctor. We do not want to give the impression on this forum that a test may not be accurate as it may then put someone off having the correct investigations.

[Hidden]

Fibroscan is a painless procedure, the probe is moved over the lower rib cage area and it feels like your side of being flicked gently, this flick is a wave that goes through the liver to measure fatty change and fibrosis. With regards to the question of accuracy i don’t know how it works with other liver diseases but with mine it is used alongside blood tests to create a bigger picture of how my liver is doing.

[Charlie-legs]

Thank you everyone. Once you know, it's self explanatory 🙄🤭 a scan of your fibres...doh! Again thank you, Michelle ❣️

[Hidden in reply to Charlie-legs]

Good luck. Just lay back and relax xx

[Painful123]

Basicly a fibroscan is same as an ultrasound machine but in a different package. Yes, it gives little more information than a standard ultrasound. Think of a customised ultrasound machine for liver scans. It can do the grading well and prints nice report where ultrasound lacks greatly. After all, it is marketing. They could add these functions to the menu of a standard ultrasound machine but they decided to come up as a new product and market it separately. It is a neat machine. Other users already explained the features.

[deanw41]

My consultant said he MIGHT do one in the DISTANCE future for academic purposes.