What Is the FibroScan® Test and What Does It Do?
7/6/2023
Throughout past years, the best way to understand your liver health was often with a liver biopsy. As a result of recent advancements in technology, gastroenterologists can test the condition of their patients’ livers thanks to a relatively easy, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure, FibroScan. At Colorado Gastroenterology, our GI specialists provide this fast and advantageous exam to review liver health and help you safeguard your total wellness. If you want detailed information about FibroScan testing and how it could help measure your liver health, reach out to one of our many Denver, CO locations.
What is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a liver elastography procedure that depends on ultrasound technology to detect any liver damage in the body. This exam can establish if there’s scarring in the liver or liver stiffness. Liver scarring, called liver fibrosis, comes about due to a lack of moderation in alcohol consumption, a diet high in fats, being medically obese, type 2 diabetes, and more. Scarring of the liver can result in cirrhosis, or severe scarring and damage of a person’s liver. The late stages of cirrhosis will often cause tiredness, weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), cancer of the liver, and liver failure.
While a biopsy of the liver requires some form of sedation, a surgical procedure, and hours of your time, a FibroScan test can often be completed in ten minutes. The procedure generally involves little to no discomfort and pain, is non-surgical, and often you are allowed to get right back to your typical routine afterward.
Why is a FibroScan crucial?
Because of the many complications associated with liver damage, it is important that you regard your liver health with the utmost importance. That is how the FibroScan test is able to help. After completing the FibroScan, our Denver, CO gastroenterologists can use the findings to detect and track liver issues like:
- Hepatitis B or C
- Diseases related to alcohol consumption
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
In addition, FibroScan will also allow us to assess how far any liver damage has progressed. Checking this gives us the ability to craft a plan of treatment specifically to meet your needs.
How long can it take to get my FibroScan test results?
Another great advantage of the FibroScan is that your results are available in 1 – 2 days. The results of your liver biopsy might take about two weeks. As a result of FibroScan, you can get your test results sooner, which will allow you to start your treatment as soon as possible.
Once your results are ready, our team of GI providers will reach out via phone or get together with you in person to explain the FibroScan test results. Our providers can better help you absorb your exam results and what the findings mean for the health of your liver and general health.
Will I be able to make changes to address unfavorable FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan results suggest damage in your liver, there are a variety of choices you can make to reverse liver damage or defend against new damage. A few simple steps you may want to take to promote your liver health are:
- Lose weight if needed
- Cut out alcohol use
- Work with your doctors to swap your medications as necessary
- Engage in sufficient levels of movement each day
- Start a diet that is low-fat and high-fiber
Schedule your FibroScan in Denver, CO
A good way to avert many medical issues is by taking control of your overall health. With the quick and simple, relatively painless FibroScan exam, you can quickly gain insight regarding your liver health so you can make any changes prior to the occurrence of additional damage. At Colorado Gastroenterology, our team of providers performs this innovative liver biopsy alternative. Request an appointment at a Denver, CO location in your area to get started.