What is a FibroScan?
FibroScan is a painless, needle-free liver test. Using ultrasound-based transient elastography, it measures liver stiffness (scarring/fibrosis) and fat through the skin — no biopsy, no sedation, and no recovery time. The scan takes only a few minutes.
Why a FibroScan is done
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Alcoholic Liver Disease (ALD)
Abnormal liver function test results
Chronic Hepatitis B or C, and autoimmune hepatitis
Hemochromatosis (iron overload) and Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
Drug-induced liver injury or other liver concerns
atty liver is often “silent” — FibroScan can catch changes early
How to prepare
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Fast for about 3 hours before the test (water is fine)
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Wear loose clothing that gives easy access to the right side of your rib cage
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Bring your referral / procedure sheet (the FibroScan request form)
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Let us know if you have already had an ultrasound and can make it available
During the test & your results
You simply lie on your back while a probe rests over the right side of your rib cage — you may feel a light tapping, nothing sharp. There are no needles and no sedation, so you can eat, drive, and return to normal activities straight away. Your gastroenterologist reviews the stiffness and fat measurements alongside your history and explains what they mean for you, with any next steps.
