Question : Hi can anyone tell me if a... - PBC Foundation

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Vespa27 profile image
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Hi can anyone tell me if a fibroscan is the same as an ultrasound, and is it better than an ultrasound. Thanks

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Vespa27 profile image
Vespa27
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5 Replies
gwillistexas profile image
gwillistexas

No, 2 different tests. Fibroscan indicates liver stiffness, if any, & the degree. Ultrasound can show liver texture & any abnormalities , size & shape. Blood flow can also be detected. I’m sure someone will have more info to share with you. 😊

ninjagirlwebb profile image
ninjagirlwebb in reply to gwillistexas

As gwillistexas explained these are 2 distinct tests. One does not replace the other. The ultrasound shows an image of the liver area including the spleen & can detect structural abnormalities & coarseness. Fibroscan measures via shear sound waves how elastic the liver is. Ultrasound is more readily available than fibroscan so I would imagine more folks on this site are more familiar with US than fibroscan. There is a newer technology: MR elastography, supposedly superior to fibroscans & sonograms in assessing liver stiffness.

Haley

claygi profile image
claygi

I concur with the comments above and I’ve had multiple ultrasounds, MRE, and also CAT scan on liver. Not had a fibroscan as MRE is more accurate according to doctors here. I’ve also had the Fibrosure blood test (panel).

kiwivivr profile image
kiwivivr

Hi i have had both. Ultrasound is, as ninnjagirlwebb said, an image of the liver. You have probably had one as they seem to be a favourite detection method.

Fibroscan is quite different. In my opinion painless but i have heard some people bomplain. Tbis i ghonk was because they surprised.

The fibroscan send small pulsing beats on to the liver. The reaction of these determines how hard the liver is. A bit like tapping a watemelon to listen to how hollow/ firm/ soft/ ripe it is. (Do you do that), or when the doctor taps your stomach area with his fingers. It takes 5 to 10 minutes.

You will feel the beats, but they shouldn't hurt.

Relax, enjoy all the new fancy non invasive tricks doctors and research can do now. I cant remember the scoring system. It is a lot safer than a biopsy as it is non invasive, checks the whole area of the liver, not just a tiny area as in a biopsy and results shoukd be while you wait.

Vespa27 profile image
Vespa27

Thanks guys xx

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