Fibroscan

Fibroscan is a specialised non invasive scan of your liver.

You may have been referred for this scan without any prior investigations as part of an overall health check or you may have already been shown to have some abnormalities in your liver blood tests and/or your previous ultrasound (such as fatty infiltration). In the latter case, although much more information in relation to your liver health has already been derived, the Fibroscan will determine how steatitic (fatty) or fibrotic (scarred) your liver may be. Previously it would have been necessary for you to have an invasive liver biopsy to determine this information. However, the Fibroscan provides much of this information in a non invasive way without having the discomfort or risks of a liver biopsy.

On the day of your scan, you will be required to fast for 3 hours before your scan. You are accordingly allowed to have a light breakfast and beverage early in the morning if the scan is to be done in the morning or. alight lunch 3 hours prior to the scan if you have an afternoon appointment. You are advised to wear a light fitting clothing as the right side of your upper abdomen and lower chest will be exposed for the scan. The Fibroscan will take in the region of 10-15 minutes to perform. As mentioned, it is a non invasive scan but you may feel a slight flicking sensation on your skin when measurements are being taken. The result of your scan will be interpreted by Dr Stack or Prof Houlihan and the result will be forwarded to you or discussed with you at a subsequent clinical appointment if this is follow up arrangement for you. The result will also be forwarded to your General Practitioner.