A Liver Fibroscan, also known as liver elastography, is a modern quick, painless &non-invasive test alternative to traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage.
It is used to measure the stiffness (fibrosis) and fat content (steatosis) of the liver, due to liver diseases.
It provides an accurate assessment of liver health without the need for a painful liver biopsy.
This test gives immediate results.
It is similar to conventional liver ultrasound exam, done by special fibroscan machine on outpatient basis.
Liver Fibroscan uses ultrasound-based elastography (shear wave) technology to determine how stiff or soft the liver tissue is. Increased stiffness often indicates liver fibrosis or scarring, which can occur in conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or alcohol-related liver damage.
Indications for liver firbsocan:
Your physician may recommend a FibroScan test if you have one of the following chronic liver conditions:
Cirrhosis
Genetic Diseases (such as Hemochromatosis and Wilson’s Disease)
Metabolic diseases like Obesity, hypertension, diabetes, Dyslipidemia (High cholesterol or triglycerides), thyroid diseases.
Elevated liver enzymes (SGOT, SGPT)
Unexplained fatigue or abdominal discomfort
Family history of liver disease
What to expect once you arrive for the Test:
Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled procedure time
2 to 3 hour fasting is required.
FibroScan requires no sedation of any kind. You may drive yourself to and from the test.
The procedure takes about 5 minutes.
For the procedure, you will lie on your back with your right arm raised behind your head, and your right abdominal area exposed (wear loose fitting clothing).
Technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin, then will place a non-invasive probe over your liver.
During the exam, you may feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe as it delivers ultrasound waves to the area for measuring purposes.
What to Expect after the FibroScan Test:
The computer will analyze the information from your test. The results will be given to your physician for review.
FibroScan FAQs
What is a Liver FibroScan?
FibroScan is the name of a medical device used to help determine the health of your liver.
If your doctor is recommending a fibroscan of the liver, it is likely to assess the health of your liver and detect liver fibrosis, which can indicate the presence and extent of liver damage or liver disease. FibroScan uses advanced ultrasound technology called transient elastography to measure liver stiffness.
Why would I need a FibroScan? Why would a doctor order a FibroScan?
The liver scan FibroScan can be used to help diagnose or monitor the progression of diseases the liver
The FibroScan test can also be used to monitor liver health for patients following a liver transplantation.
What are we looking for in FibroScan?
We look for stage of liver disease by fibrosis score / liver stiffness, which indicates whether or not scarring is present in liver and which can also indicate the extent of the scarring.
Scarring of the liver in the initial stages is called fibrosis and more severe scarring is cirrhosis.
Liver FibroScan can use scarring measurements to provide a diagnosis or to track the progression of liver disease.
What does normal FibroScan result mean?
It is important to speak with your doctor if you have any questions about your FibroScan results. In general, though, the FibroScan will provide you with Cap Score (amount of your liver with fatty change) in decibels per meter (dB/m) and it corresponds to your steatosis grade (S1, S2 or S3). Lower CAP score, healthier is your liver
Fibrosis Score (amount of scarring) measured in kilopascals (kPa) - lower the score, the less scarring you have on your liver and the healthier your liver is. A normal result is between 2 and 6 kPa. A fibrosis score of F0 to F1 indicates no liver scarring or mild liver scarring. The highest score possible is F4, which indicates advanced liver scarring, or cirrhosis. Your FibroScan result need to co-related with other test reports such as blood tests (CBC,LFT), imaging scans or biopsies, in addition to the FibroScan.
Is a FibroScan the same as ultrasound?
Liver FibroScan uses transient elastography, which is ultrasound-based modality, an enhanced form of ultrasound, different from normal routine ultrasound, which is routine test used for screening of abdominal organs for any pathology. For many patients who are just learning about FibroScan for the first time, this should be reassuring. Ultrasounds are common procedures many of us have had before and have found to be relatively quick and comfortable experiences.
How do I prepare for my FibroScan?
It is very simple and straightforward.
On the day of your procedure, do not eat or drink anything 3 hours before your test. You should wear comfortable clothes (e.g. shirt, loose dress) that can be moved/repositioned to allow examination of your right upper abdomen.
Please do not wear any tight clothing to your appointment.
You may also be asked to rest on the examination bed for a few minutes before the exam because it is important for the measurements to be taken while your body is at rest.
Is FibroScan painful? How long does the procedure take?
FibroScan is not at all painful and no sedation is needed. If you have ever had an ultrasound before, you will find the FibroScan procedure to be similar. You lie on your back with your right arm above your head, providing access to your right rib cage so that your liver can be scanned. Gel is applied to the area and FibroScan device is placed on the skin between your ribs. You may feel a slight vibration as the device sends energy pulses to your liver to gather measurements. Before FibroScan became available, hepatologists had to rely on liver biopsies to get information on liver disease. However, now simple FibroScan report can give some information through non-invasive painless technology.
How long does a Fibroscan take?
The typical exam takes only 5-10 minutes.
How long does it take to get results from a FibroScan?
How long does it take to get results from a FibroScan?
Why Is Liver Fibroscan Important?
The liver plays a vital role in detoxification, metabolism, and digestion. Many liver diseases progress silently without symptoms until advanced stages.
A Liver Fibroscan test helps detect early damage and monitor disease progression, enabling timely treatment and lifestyle changes.
Key Benefits of Liver Fibroscan / Elastography
Completely Non-Invasive – No needles or sedation required.
Quick Test – Takes less than 10 minutes, with instant results.
Accurate Measurement – Detects fibrosis and steatosis precisely.
Early Detection – Identifies liver damage before symptoms appear.
Guides Treatment – Helps doctors plan effective management for chronic liver diseases.
Even if you feel healthy, a Fibroscan is a smart choice for anyone with risk factors related to liver health. It can detect even early liver damage and help us in taking prompt, preventive measures to prevent or even sometimes reverse liver damage.
Understanding Your Fibroscan Results
Low stiffness values: Indicate a healthy liver or minimal fibrosis.
Moderate values: Suggest mild to moderate fibrosis.
High values: Indicate significant fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Your doctor will interpret the results in context with your medical history, blood tests, and ultrasound findings to recommend the right management plan.
Cost-wise Liver Fibroscan is much cost-effective and non-invasive and safe test.
Your liver health is our priority. For precise diagnosis, compassionate care, and expert guidance – contact us at ORCHID clinic.
Book Your Liver Fibroscan Appointment Today
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear — early detection saves lives.
What is FibroScan?
