2820 Mt. Rushmore Road
Rapid City, SD 57701
FibroScan Testing is a recently FDA-approved, non-invasive, diagnostic device used to measure liver scarring or fibrosis caused by a number of liver diseases. Similar to undergoing a conventional liver ultrasound exam, outpatient FibroScan testing is quick, painless, easy, and provides a non-surgical alternative to the traditional liver biopsy to assess liver damage.
The buildup of fat cells in fatty liver disease causes scarring, called fibrosis. One way of measuring the severity of the fatty liver disease is to measure the fibrosis present in the liver. Fibrosis causes stiffness in the liver tissue.
A FibroScan doesn’t require any special preparation, although you may be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the FibroScan. It is completely painless, no sedation is necessary, and it only takes 5-10 minutes to complete. After a FibroScan, you’ll be back on your feet in minutes with no recovery time or special instructions.
Please notify your doctor of any medications you are taking but typically a FibroScan has no effect on the medication. You can continue taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
FibroScan is an enhanced form of ultrasound. FibroScan uses transient elastography to measure the speed of ultrasound waves as they move through the liver. The ultrasound waves move at different speeds through normal liver tissue and areas of fibrosis.
During the FibroScan you will be positioned on your back with your right arm above your head. This provides access to your right rib cage. Gel is applied to the area and the FibroScan device is placed on the skin between your ribs. As the device sends pulses to your liver to gather measurements, you may feel a slight vibration to that area.
As soon as the FibroScan® is finished, you will be able to either go home or return to work. The computer will analyze the information from your test and provide you with a score. Your doctor will notify you with the results of your scan and any recommendations as a result of the scan.
It does not have any potential complications or risks and is noninvasive, which means that it does not break the skin or enter your body.