What Is the FibroScan® Procedure?
FibroScan is a nonsurgical procedure carried out by gastrointestinal (GI) specialists to check the condition of the liver as well as identify concerns that could affect liver function. Performed using ultrasound technology, this advanced diagnostic test, also known as transient elastography, evaluates the quantity of fat tissue in the liver (fatty liver disease). The FibroScan procedure also allows GI doctors in San Antonio, TX to measure the amount of stiffness in the tissue in the liver. A high amount of stiffness can indicate the presence of fibrosis, inflammation of the liver, or other concerns. When a fatty liver or fibrosis is suspected, the experienced specialists at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates may conduct a FibroScan analysis to identify and better understand the scope of the problem.
Who needs a FibroScan test?
Gastrointestinal doctors routinely treat diseases that impact the liver and could recommend a FibroScan analysis for patients with evidence of early to advanced liver dysfunction. A GI physician might recommend FibroScan procedures for individuals who present at least one sign of a liver condition or injury, including:
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Syndrome X
- Severe liver fibrotic scarring (cirrhosis)
- Various forms of hepatitis
- Alcoholic liver damage
What happens during a FibroScan procedure?
FibroScan is done at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates in San Antonio, TX and might be recommended as a replacement for a liver biopsy. It is commonly carried out alongside other types of diagnostic imaging or blood tests to fully assess a liver condition. During the test, individuals lie flat on a medical table. The technician then glides the FibroScan imaging handpiece on the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, just under the ribcage. A set of waves are applied directly into the liver, testing the pace at which sound frequencies go through the liver. FibroScan tests are usually comfortable and ordinarily take around 15 minutes or less to carry out.
Understanding FibroScan CAP scores
After FibroScan testing is complete, the results are forwarded to the specialist who ordered the procedure. The test reveals a numerical score that denotes the measurement of fat cells in the liver, which is known as a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score as well as a fibrosis result.
-The FibroScan CAP result is measured in dB/m and is used to ascertain the level of fatty change in your liver. A larger CAP score demonstrates a higher grade of fatty change and a higher stage of fatty liver condition.
-The fibrosis result gives data on the amount of scarring (fibrosis) within the liver, spanning from none to mild or a later stage of scarring (cirrhosis).
A secondary visit with your doctor will be scheduled to analyze and go over the procedure findings. Advice for treatment or behavior and lifestyle changes might then be given in accordance with the unique condition of each patient. Further FibroScan procedures might be conducted on a set basis to check the health of the liver or to determine if a liver condition has worsened.
Discover more about FibroScan testing in San Antonio, TX
As one of the larger organs in your body, the liver performs a crucial role in general health. Fatty liver disease as well as scarring could affect numerous facets of a person's systemic well-being, resulting in abdominal swelling, fatigue, and a greater chance of liver failure and liver cancer. The highly trained staff at San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates in San Antonio, TX provides noninvasive transient elastography to detect the existence of fatty liver disease or fibrotic scarring. To receive more information about this diagnostic procedure or to arrange a visit with a skilled GI doctor, please reach out to San Antonio Gastroenterology Associates today and talk to a team member.