A New Way To Diagnose Liver Disease: Fibroscan

A Breakthrough in Liver Disease Diagnosis: Fibroscan. "The liver is a vital organ responsible for numerous essential functions, such as detoxification and metabolism. When liver diseases, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, occur, it becomes crucial to assess the severity of the damage.

Enter FibroScan, a non-invasive diagnostic tool that provides valuable insights into liver health without the need for a biopsy. It offers a safe, painless, and quick alternative to traditional methods of assessing liver fibrosis.

During a FibroScan exam, a specialized device called a FibroScan machine is used. It consists of a handheld probe that emits low-frequency sound waves known as shear waves.

The patient lies comfortably on an examination bed while the fibroscan technician applies a gel-like substance to the skin surface above the liver. The probe is then placed gently on the skin.

As the fibroscan technician activates the probe, the sound waves travel through the liver and bounce back to the probe. The speed at which these waves move through the liver is directly related to its stiffness or elasticity.

The FibroScan machine analyzes the data and generates a numerical value called the liver stiffness measurement (LSM). This value is an indicator of liver fibrosis or scarring, with higher values indicating more severe fibrosis.

Once the examination is complete, the healthcare professional interprets the results and discusses them with the patient. The FibroScan results provide valuable information to guide treatment decisions and monitor disease progression over time.

Compared to traditional liver biopsies, which involve extracting a small sample of liver tissue through an invasive procedure, FibroScan offers several advantages. It is non-invasive, painless, and eliminates the risks associated with a biopsy, such as bleeding or infection.

FibroScan can benefit various patient groups, including those with liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C, fatty liver disease, and alcohol-related liver disease. It also aids in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness.