FibroScan® in Washington
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a method used by the GI providers at Washington Gastroenterology to analyze the liver noninvasively. Also referred to as transient elastography, the scan uses a particular ultrasound machine to measure the state of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver. Fibrosis occurs when the liver replaces sound tissue with cicatrix (scar) tissue to heal itself from another condition. Hepatic steatosis is also known as fatty change and happens when fat collects in the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Washington GI specialist can assess the state and function of your liver and make a diagnosis and medical plan without aggressively entering the body to examine the liver. If you have a liver problem, request an appointment with a Washington Gastroenterology location near you to learn if you may benefit from FibroScan ultrasound technology.
Who is a good candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan testing may be recommended for individuals with initial to progressive liver illness or other situations. These might involve:
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Hemochromatosis
- Alcoholic FLD
- Certain types of hepatitis
- Different types of chronic liver disease
- Dysmetabolic syndrome
- PBC or primary biliary cholangitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver (excessive scarring)
How is FibroScan conducted?
A FibroScan test in Washington is usually a convenient procedure completed within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be situated on your skin right next to your liver. This unique sensor emits sound waves via your liver to evaluate the speed at which sound crosses through the organ. The FibroScan technology then develops a sequence of results that your Washington Gastroenterology GI specialists will utilize to study the degree of stiffness (fibrosis) shown in your liver.
How do you understand and explain FibroScan results?
FibroScan results are provided according to steatosis grade and fibrosis score. The following charts encompass standard information regarding what the scan results may indicate. You can discuss your findings in detail with your Washington Gastroenterology GI specialists after your FibroScan test.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis findings describe the level of fatty change in the liver and are delivered by way of a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, which is evaluated in decibels per meter (dB/m). The range is from 100 – 400 dB/m, and different ranges cause a different fatty liver grade.
|
CAP Score (dB/m) |
Steatosis Grade |
Amount of Liver With Fatty Change |
|
238 – 260 |
S1 |
11% – 33% |
|
260 – 290 |
S2 |
34% – 66% |
|
290+ |
S3 |
67%+ |
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis result is a measurement of the stiffness of the liver and depicts the extent of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI specialists will use your FibroScan result and your medical records to determine your fibrosis score. Different liver diseases and conditions can change the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: No scarring/light scarring
- F2: Medium scarring
- F3: Severe scarring
- F4: Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the benefits of FibroScan?
Because FibroScan utilizes ultrasound technology, there is very little to no danger correlated with the treatment plan. FibroScan is a noninvasive imaging method, and for that reason, it is usually comfortable. It allows for a more comprehensive study of the complete liver instead of looking into only a small portion that occurs in a liver biopsy. Additionally, no sedation medication is needed for the treatment, it is relatively affordable, quickly accomplished, and the results are instantaneous.
Expert treatment for liver conditions
As one of the largest organs in the body, your liver carries out duties vital to your health. Fibrosis and steatosis might influence your liver and body in several ways and can lead to fatal conditions without proper care. To learn more about FibroScan in Washington or to connect with a liver specialist near you, please contact your local Washington Gastroenterology facility today.
FibroScan® FAQs
How should I prepare for my FibroScan test?
You won’t be allowed to eat or drink anything at all leading up to your FibroScan test. It is okay, however, to still take your daily medications prior to your procedure. We advise you to come in wearing loose-fitting clothes to make it easier for our team to reach the right side of your ribcage.We will review specifics with you ahead of the visit to make sure you know exactly what you can expect before, during, and after the FibroScan process.
What liver diseases can FibroScan diagnose?
Your FibroScan procedure can discover and follow the progress of various disease of the liver, including:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B and C
- Hemochromatosis
What is the difference between an ultrasound and FibroScan?
FibroScan is actually a form of ultrasound and uses the exact same technology a normal ultrasound uses, known as transient elastography. While the two are similar, FibroScan was actually developed to assess the stiffness of the liver and is, therefore, perceptibly more accurate in detecting liver issues than an ultrasound.
Is FibroScan more advanced than a liver biopsy?
The FibroScan test is a nonsurgical alternate option to a liver biopsy. However, there can be certain situations when a biopsy of the liver might be ideal. This could include circumstances when a patient who has a defibrillator or pacemaker, is pregnant, or who has fluid in the abdomen. It has also been determined that results may be inaccurate in individuals who are considered obese. For these reasons, our Washington Gastroenterology doctors will work with you to decide if this test or a standard liver biopsy is better for your needs.
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