When Is FibroScan® Testing Recommended?

Transient elastography (FibroScan) is a nonsurgical procedure carried out by physicians to assess the condition of the liver and diagnose problems that might affect liver function. Performed by utilizing ultrasound scans, this advanced diagnostic assessment evaluates the amount of fat buildup in the liver (fatty liver condition). The FibroScan test also helps the specialists at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology assess the degree of stiffness in the tissue in the liver. A high degree of stiffness can indicate the existence of fibrotic scarring, inflammation of the liver, or additional health concerns. In the event that fatty liver disease or fibrotic scarring is a possibility, the gastrointestinal (GI) doctors at our Indianapolis, IN practice may conduct a FibroScan exam to diagnose and determine the level of the condition.

Why would a doctor order a FibroScan?

GI physicians normally address disorders that affect the liver and might recommend a FibroScan analysis for patients with indications of early to advanced liver conditions. A gastroenterologist could advise FibroScan assessments for individuals who present at least one indicator of a liver condition or injury, including:

• Insulin resistance syndrome
• Various degrees of liver inflammation
• Nonalcoholic NASH (nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis)
• Alcoholic liver damage
• Severe liver fibrosis (cirrhosis)

How is a FibroScan exam performed?

Transient elastography is performed at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology and may be suggested as a replacement for a liver biopsy. It is commonly carried out along with other types of imaging tests or blood tests to evaluate for a liver condition. Throughout the test, individuals lie flat on a medical table. The ultrasound technologist then passes the FibroScan ultrasound handpiece on the upper right quadrant of the abdominal area, just underneath the ribs. Several pulses of energy are applied straight into the area, gauging the velocity at which sound waves pass through the liver. FibroScan tests are generally painless and usually require approximately 10 – 15 minutes to perform.

Understanding your FibroScan outcomes

Once FibroScan testing with our Indianapolis, IN team is finished, the results are forwarded to the specialist who ordered the exam. The test produces a numbered output that indicates the measurement of fat cells in the liver, referred to as a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, in addition to a fibrosis score.

-The FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter score is evaluated in decibels per meter and helps ascertain the amount of fat buildup within the liver. A higher CAP score demonstrates a higher grade of steatosis (fatty change) and a more serious stage of a fatty liver condition.

-The fibrosis result provides facts on the presence of scarring (fibrosis) in your liver, ranging from no scarring to mild or a later stage of scarring (cirrhosis).

A follow-up appointment with your physician will be scheduled to analyze and discuss the procedure findings. Recommendations for therapies or lifestyle modifications will then be provided based on your specific health needs. Secondary FibroScan tests may be carried out on a continuous basis to monitor the health of the liver or to determine if liver disease worsened.

Learn more about FibroScan tests in Indianapolis, IN

As the second largest organ in the body, the liver plays a vital part in your comprehensive health. Liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease could impact your general health in various ways, from producing fatigue and swelling in the abdomen to elevating your risk of liver cancer and liver failure. The highly trained team at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology offers noninvasive transient elastography procedures to detect the existence of a fatty liver or fibrotic scarring. For more on FibroScan testing or schedule a consultation with a skilled GI specialist, please get in touch with our practice in Indianapolis, IN today.