What is a FibroScan?
Liver elastography is a noninvasive test used to assess the health of the liver. FibroScan is a type of liver elastography. It uses a special ultrasound technology that measures liver stiffness (hardness) and fatty content in your liver.
Reasons to Obtain a FibroScan
- Confirm a diagnosis of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- Quantify the fat content in your liver
- Determine the degree of stiffness or scarring in your liver
- Determine the degree of scarring caused by viral hepatitis or other types of liver disease
- You display risk factors for NAFLD as outlined below
Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE), individuals with the following risk factors should be screened for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by their primary doctor or endocrinologist.
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
Nearly 96 percent of Americans with NAFLD are unaware they have the chronic disease. When left untreated, NAFLD can result in liver cirrhosis, fibrosis, or failure, and even death.
New Guidelines Advise Screenings
The AACE recently released new guidelines for the early screening and diagnosis of NAFLD, hoping to mitigate its progression and raise awareness to allow for earlier identification, disease management, and referrals to specialists. If detected and managed early, it’s possible to prevent NAFLD from progressing and could reduce the amount of damage and fat in the liver.
Screenings Offered at TGH Digestive Health Center
Individuals need a doctor’s order for the FibroScan. Patients with high-risk factors are encouraged to contact their primary care provider to determine if an NAFLD screening is appropriate.
