FibroScan®
Important information about FibroScan®; What you should know:
If you’re a new patient of Florida Research Institute, our team members may recommend you receive a FibroScan®. A FibroScan® is a noninvasive ultrasound device that measures liver scarring, called fibrosis, caused by certain liver diseases. Like a traditional ultrasound exam, a FibroScan® is quick and painless. It provides a non-surgical option for assessing liver damage.
Our team may recommend a FibroScan® test if you have one of the following liver conditions:
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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/NAFLD (which is an accumulation of fat in the liver)
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Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis/NASH (a type of NAFLD that includes inflammation and liver cell damage, along with fat build-up)
How do I prep for a FibroScan®?
A smart device, in collaboration with your care team, will assess your eligibility and provide comprehensive preparation information. Generally, you should avoid eating or drinking anything (water is fine) for at least three hours before the scan. You can continue taking any prescribed medicine. However, a FibroScan® cannot be performed if you are pregnant or have an implantable device such as a defibrillator or pacemaker with audio/video capability (i.e., cell phone, tablet, or computer).
What happens during the scan?
During the exam, you will lie on your back with the right arm raised and tucked behind your head. Preparation includes no food or drink three hours before the exam, and you may wish to wear a looser fitting shirt as the skin covering your right rib cage area will need to be exposed to complete the exam. The technician will place a probe, similar to an ultrasound probe, on your side near your liver. That probe sends painless vibration through your body and into your liver. The probe measures how fast the vibration travels through the liver.
The examination itself takes about 10-15 minutes. You should plan to spend about 45 minutes at the clinic in total. You may drive yourself to and from the test.
What happens after the exam, and what do my results mean?
When the FibroScan® is complete, you can return to your regular activities. There is no recovery period.
The FibroScan® computer will analyze the information from your test. The results will be sent to the ordering physician, who will review and discuss them with you at your next appointment. Results and treatment options vary based on each liver disease.
FibroScan® is available at Florida Research Institute locations in Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and select FDHS care centers throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties. For more information or to schedule your FibroScan® appointment, please call 941.727.7772 or click here to request an appointment.