What Is the FibroScan® test Used for and How Does It Work?
7/6/2023
In the past, the primary way to establish your liver health was through a biopsy. Thanks to modern advancements in the medical field, doctors can now test the condition of their patient’s liver through a simple, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure called FibroScan. At Gastroenterology Associates, our team of gastroenterologists offers this safe and efficient exam to assess your liver and help you defend your overall health. If you want to find out more about FibroScan testing and how it could help measure the health of your liver, contact one of our many locations in Baton Rouge, LA.
What is FibroScan?
FibroScan is a liver elastography procedure that relies on ultrasound technology to detect any damage to the liver. This straightforward exam can detect scarring and stiffness in the liver. Liver scarring, also called liver fibrosis, develops as a result of heavy alcohol consumption, a high-fat diet, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Liver scarring can lead to cirrhosis, which is severe scarring and damage to the liver. Late stages of cirrhosis will often cause exhaustion, a decline in weight, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), liver cancer, and, eventually, liver failure.
While a liver biopsy is a surgically invasive procedure that requires some form of sedation and several hours of your time, a FibroScan test will usually be completed in ten minutes. The procedure causes little to no pain or irritation, and you are able to return to your regular routine right away.
Why is FibroScan crucial?
Due to the several negative effects associated with liver damage, it is essential to know the current state of your liver. This is how the FibroScan test comes in. After completing a FibroScan, our Baton Rouge, LA GI providers will utilize the data to confirm and monitor a variety of liver issues, such as:
- Alcohol-related liver diseases
- NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease)
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B or C
In addition, we can also evaluate how any liver damage has progressed. This allows us to put together a treatment regimen specifically to meet your needs.
How long does it take to get FibroScan test results?
Another advantage of the FibroScan is results are available within 1 – 2 days. If you had a liver biopsy, it can take around two weeks before the results come in. With a FibroScan, you will be given your results rapidly, which could allow you to start treatment right away.
After we get your results, our team of GI providers will either reach out via phone or schedule a meeting in person to explain the FibroScan test results. We will discuss your exam results and what they mean for your liver and overall health.
Will I be able to change negative FibroScan results?
If your results show damage to your liver, there are several options to help reverse the liver damage or prevent new damage from occurring. A few simple steps you could take to improve the health of your liver may include:
- Work with your doctor to change medications on an as-needed basis
- Cut out alcohol
- Exercise daily
- Change to a diet that is low in fat and high in fiber
- Lose weight if needed
Find out the state of your liver with a FibroScan in Baton Rouge, LA
An excellent way to prevent issues is to take control of your general health. With efficient and simple, relatively painless procedures like the FibroScan, you can quickly learn your liver health and make necessary changes before even more damage happens. At Gastroenterology Associates, our team of GI providers happily provides this innovative liver biopsy alternative. Contact a Baton Rouge, LA location in your area to learn more.