How Does the FibroScan® Test Work and What Is It Used For?
7/6/2023
In years past, the best way to uncover the health of your liver was through a biopsy. Because of today’s developments in tech, providers can start testing the health of a patient’s liver by way of a simple, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called FibroScan. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates, our team of GI specialists offers this quick and useful exam to test your liver health, as well as help you safeguard your general wellness. If you want additional info about FibroScan testing and how it could help measure your overall liver health, get in touch with one of our many locations in Lubbock, TX.
What is the FibroScan?
FibroScan is a liver elastography procedure that relies on ultrasound technology to detect damage to the liver. This straightforward test can establish if there’s scarring in the liver and liver stiffness. Liver scarring, also called liver fibrosis, develops as a result of immoderate alcohol use, a diet that includes a lot of fat, being medically obese, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Scarring of the liver may lead to cirrhosis, which includes excessive scarring and damage of a person’s liver. Later stages of cirrhosis can cause fatigue, unintended weight loss, yellowing of the skin and eyes, liver cancer, and liver failure.
While a biopsy of the liver would require sedatives, a surgically invasive procedure, and many hours of your time and energy, a FibroScan test can often be wrapped up within about ten minutes. This procedure generally involves virtually no pain or discomfort, and often you will be able to get back to your everyday activities shortly after the test.
Why is a FibroScan necessary?
Due to the seriousness of liver damage, it is vital that you treat your liver health with care. That is where the FibroScan is able to help. Once you’ve completed the FibroScan, our Lubbock, TX GI specialists will utilize the results to identify and manage diagnosed liver issues, like:
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Hepatitis B or C
- Diseases related to alcohol consumption
Along with that, we can monitor the degree to which any liver damage has progressed. This allows us to produce a treatment regimen to help you.
How long can it take until I get FibroScan results?
Another perk of FibroScan is that results are often available in a few days. If you had a liver biopsy, it might take about two weeks to get those results. With the FibroScan, you will be given your exam results sooner than with alternative testing, which may allow you to begin treatment straight away.
After your results are ready, our team of GI specialists will reach out to go over the FibroScan results. We will help you understand your exam results and what they mean for your liver and overall health.
Will I be able to address areas of concern from my FibroScan?
If your FibroScan test results show damage to your liver, there are several choices you can make to reverse the damage or defend against new damage occurring. A few steps you can take in order to enhance the health of your liver could include:
- Reduce alcohol use
- Begin eating a low-fat, high-fiber diet
- Give your body sufficient movement each day
- Lose weight as necessary
- Work with your doctor to swap out your medications on an as-needed basis
Request FibroScan in Lubbock, TX
A good way to avoid medical issues is to take control of your health. By having a simple, quick FibroScan exam, you can get to know your liver health so you can make key changes in your diet or lifestyle before more damage occurs. At Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates, our gastroenterologists provide this advanced liver biopsy alternative. Reach out to a Lubbock, TX location near you to learn how FibroScan can help you.