Fibroscan

Also known as: transient elastography

Fibroscan is a specialised form of ultrasound technology to assess liver stiffness and fat content.

Gastroenterology

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What is a Fibroscan?

A Fibroscan is a type of scan, also known as transient elastography, that is simple, painless, and non-invasive. A small device, similar to an ultrasound machine, uses high-frequency sound waves to identify early signs of liver damage including fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fatty change).

How FibroScan Works

FibroScan uses advanced ultrasound technology to measure liver stiffness and fatty changes in the liver. The device sends energy pulses to the liver, which then bounce back and are measured by the device. The liver’s stiffness is directly related to the amount of scarring or fibrosis present. The device provides a quantitative measure of liver stiffness, which is used to diagnose and monitor liver disease.

What causes liver fibrosis?

Liver fibrosis is caused by repetitive or long-lasting injury or inflammation.

The cells of the liver encourage wound healing during which excess proteins such as collagen and glycoproteins build up in the liver.

Eventually, after many instances of repair, the liver cells can no longer repair themselves and the excess proteins cause a thickening or scarring of the tissue known as fibrosis.

Over time fibrosis will have an impact on how well your liver functions.

Most types of chronic liver disease can eventually cause fibrosis including:

Fatty liver disease
Liver damage due to alcohol abuse, such as cirrhosis
Chronic viral hepatitis, such as hepatitis B or hepatitis C
Metabolic syndrome

Diagnosing liver disease with FibroScan

FibroScan is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring liver disease. The device can detect early signs of liver damage, including liver inflammation and fibrosis, which can lead to advanced liver scarring and liver cancer if left untreated. FibroScan can also monitor the progression of liver disease over time, allowing healthcare providers to adjust treatment plans as needed. In addition, FibroScan can help identify patients who are at risk of developing liver disease, such as those with a history of liver damage or liver transplantation.

What are the benefits of a FibroScan for liver health?

The benefits of a FibroScan include:

It is a pain free, non-invasive test with no anaesthetic required.
It is a quick procedure completed in approximately 10 minutes.
It doesn’t require any down time as you can go home straight away.
It provides an accurate diagnosis of your liver health.
It can easily monitor changes in liver disease.
It is safer and more cost-effective compared to other liver tests such as a biopsy.
It reduces the need for a traditional liver biopsy, which is invasive and requires hospitalisation.

Unlike a traditional liver biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of liver tissue with a needle, a FibroScan is non-invasive and provides immediate results.

Hospital fee guide price: £595

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included

More about pricing

Before treatment

You will need a referral from your consultant to undergo a Fibroscan.

Preparing for a FibroScan

To prepare for a FibroScan, patients should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 3 hours before the test. This includes avoiding fatty foods and drinks, as well as medications that may affect liver function. Patients should also wear comfortable clothing that can be easily moved or repositioned during the test. It is also recommended that patients avoid drinking alcohol before the test, as this can affect liver function and the accuracy of the results.

During treatment

For your FibroScan, you will be asked to lie on your back on an examination couch. You will not be required to remove any clothing, but we will need to expose the right side of your abdomen. Therefore, we don’t recommend wearing a dress on the day of the scan.

During the procedure, you will be asked to lie on your back with your right arm positioned behind your head. A water-based gel is applied to the skin, and a probe is placed on the right side of the abdomen with minimal pressure. The probe will emit soundwaves that will pass through your skin to your liver and bounce back.

This may feel like a gentle flick on your skin but should not hurt. This procedure is repeated at least 10 times to ensure accuracy and the average time it takes for the soundwaves to bounce back is used to determine the elasticity of your liver and the presence of any regions of scarring.

The scan takes approximately 10‒20 minutes.

After treatment

The results will be sent to your consultant within 48 hours, and they will discuss them with you at your next outpatient appointment. Your consultant will then advise on a personalised treatment plan where necessary.

Understanding FibroScan results

The results are measured in kilopascals (kPa) and are used to determine the level of liver stiffness and fibrosis present. A normal liver stiffness result is usually between 2 and 7 kPa, while a result above 7 kPa may indicate liver disease. The results can also be used to monitor the progression of liver disease over time and to adjust treatment plans as needed. In some cases, additional tests, such as blood tests or liver biopsies, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment.

Appointment and Treatment Plan

Preparation

To prepare for a FibroScan, patients should follow specific instructions regarding eating or drinking before the test.

Positioning

For your FibroScan, you will be asked to lie on your back on an examination couch. You will not be required to remove any clothing, but we will need to expose the right side of your abdomen.

Scanning

A water-based gel is applied to the skin, and a probe is placed on the right side of the abdomen with minimal pressure.

Measurement

The device sends energy pulses to the liver, which then bounce back and are measured by the device.

Results

Your consultant will receive the results within 48 hours and will discuss them with you during your next outpatient appointment.

Follow Up

If any abnormalities have been detected during the scan, you will attend a follow-up appointment with a consultant to discuss next steps relating to your treatment plan.

Experts

We are proud to provide patients with access to a wide range of clinicians, chosen specifically for their knowledge and reputation in their area of expertise. Our experts align with our values: putting you at the centre of your care and educating you on your options at each step of the journey. We encourage you to learn more about our clinicians and how they can help you below. As always, please contact our patient services team if you require any additional information.

Dr Arun Rajendran

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Dr Raj Rameshshanker

Consultant Gastroenterologist

Dr Mohamed Shariff

Consultant Gastroenterologist

All experts

We offer 3 ways to pay for your treatment

We exist to take the stress out of private healthcare.

Our payment options are designed to offer you easy access to our treatments and services. You can choose to pay on the day, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance.

Our patient services team will guide you through the process, providing clear costs and support throughout your course of treatment so you can focus on the thing that matters most – your health.

Whether you pay in advance, spread the cost, or use your private medical insurance, rest assured you will be receiving exceptional care 365 days a year.

Pay in Advance

Even if you do not have medical insurance, you can still get quick and comprehensive access to private medical care.

We provide transparent pricing from your initial consultation to the completion of your treatment so you know where your stand, every step of the way.

We accept all major debit and credit cards, as well as Apple Pay for UK residents. Please note that we do not accept cash or cheques.

Pay monthly

Paying for your treatment at OSD Healthcare doesn’t need to mean settling the full cost in one go.

Many of our treatments have a pay monthly option that allows you to spread the cost of your treatment over 12 months with no credit checks required.

A minimum spend of £300 does apply. We’ll take your first payment upfront and then arrange a direct debit for your monthly payments thereafter. It’s that simple.

Pay using PMI

We are recognised by all major health insurance companies and with our extensive range of services, there are lots of benefits to using your insurance with us. Our patient services team is here to answer any questions you may have about using your private health insurance with us.

Please bring along your policy details including your scheme details, membership or policy number, expiry date and confirmation of eligibility to claim (i.e. your authorisation number). If you do not have these details with you, we will require payment from you on the day. Patients are liable for any amounts not settled by their insurer.

Hospital fee guide price: £595

Procedure price subject to bespoke quotation
*Additional consultant fee not included