FibroScan® in Indianapolis, IN
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is an ultrasound-based test put to use by the gastrointestinal physicians at Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology to noninvasively evaluate the liver. Also referred to as transient elastography, the test uses specific ultrasound technology to assess the occurrence of fibrosis and steatosis present in the liver. Fibrosis takes place when the liver substitutes sound tissue with cicatrix (scar) tissue to recover itself from an underlying condition. Hepatic steatosis is also called fatty liver disease and happens when fat builds up within the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Indianapolis, IN gastrointestinal specialists may examine the state and working condition of your liver, and provide a diagnosis and treatment plan without aggressively entering the body to examine the liver. If you suffer from a liver issue, schedule Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology to learn if you could benefit from FibroScan technology.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan testing?
FibroScan analysis could be advised for patients who have initial to advanced liver disease or other situations. These may encompass:
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Cirrhosis of the liver (harsh scarring)
- Certain types of hepatitis
- Hemochromatosis
- Insulin resistance syndrome (syndrome X)
- different classes of chronic liver disease (CLD)
- Alcoholic FLD
- Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
How is FibroScan conducted?
A FibroScan examination in Indianapolis, IN is generally a convenient procedure that is accomplished within 10 – 15 minutes. A sensor will be situated on your skin on top of your liver. This specific detector passes sound waves via your liver to gauge the rate at which sound moves through the organ. The FibroScan technology then produces a group of findings that your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology gastrointestinal physicians will manage to review the level of hardness (fibrosis) shown inside your hepatic system (liver).
How do you read and inerpret Fibroscan results?
FibroScan findings are provided based on steatosis (fatty liver disease) grade and fibrosis score. The subsequent charts consist of generic information relating to what the outcome of the examination might demonstrate. You may review your findings in specifics with your Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology GI specialists following your FibroScan test.
Steatosis grade of severity: The fatty change results explains the level of steatosis in the liver and is delivered through a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, which is evaluated in decibels per meter (dB/m). The range is from 100 to 400 dB/m, and various ranges contributes to a distinct 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 end result is an estimation of the hardness of the liver and symbolizes the degree of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your GI physician will use your FibroScan findings integrated with your medical records to determine your fibrosis score. Various liver diseases and diseases can affect the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: void of scarring/light scarring
- F2: average scarring
- F3: extreme scarring
- F4: extremely progressive scarring (cirrhosis)
Expert care for liver issues
Because FibroScan utilizes ultrasound technology, there is very little to no threat linked with the method. FibroScan is a non-invasive imaging process and thus not typically uncomfortable. It allows for a wide-ranging check of the full liver instead of looking into a very small fragment as in a liver biopsy. Also, no sedation is vital for the procedure, it is relatively inexpensive, briskly accomplished, and the results are swift.
Expert care for liver conditions
As one of the largest organs in the body, your liver carries out duties needed for your health and wellness. Fibrosis and steatosis could impact your liver and your body in various ways and could lead to life-threatening diseases without proper care. To learn more about FibroScan in Indianapolis, IN or to connect with a hepatologist close to you, please get in touch with your local Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology facility today.
FibroScan® FAQs
How should I prepare for my FibroScan test?
You must avoid eating or drinking anything except small sips of water before your FibroScan test. You can continue taking any medications as prescribed. We encourage you to wear loose and comfortable clothes to make reaching the right side of your ribcage easier for your provider. Our staff will review the preparation instructions with you before the visit to ensure you understand what to expect with FibroScan testing.
What diseases of the liver can FibroScan detect and evaluate?
The FibroScan test can help confirm and monitor various liver diseases, including:
- Hemochromatosis
- Hepatitis B and C
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Is there a difference between an ultrasound and a Fibroscan?
The FibroScan test is a type of ultrasound. It uses the same technology as a standard ultrasound, known as transient elastography. Although they are alike, FibroScan was created to evaluate liver stiffness and is more accurate at discovering liver issues than a traditional ultrasound.
Is FibroScan better than a liver biopsy?
FibroScan can be an excellent minimally invasive alternative to a liver biopsy. However, there may be situations where a liver biopsy is the better choice. This could include instances where a person has a pacemaker or defibrillator, has fluid in the abdomen, or is pregnant. It has also been determined that FibroScan results may be inaccurate in individuals who are morbidly obese. Our Indianapolis Gastroenterology and Hepatology providers will work with you to determine if a FibroScan exam or liver biopsy is ideal for you.
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