FibroScan® in Utah
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Find a ProviderWhat is FibroScan?
FibroScan is an advanced ultrasound technology offered by the providers at Utah Gastroenterology as a way to noninvasively check the liver for health issues. Also referred to as transient elastography, the test uses a specialized ultrasound machine to determine the state of fibrosis and steatosis in the liver. Fibrosis happens when the liver replaces sound tissue with cicatrix (scar) tissue to recover itself from an underlying condition. Hepatic steatosis is also identified as fatty liver disease and happens when fat accumulates inside the liver cells.
Using FibroScan, your Utah GI doctor has the ability to analyze the working condition of your liver and formulate a diagnosis and medical plan without intrusively probing the body to explore the liver. If you suffer from a liver issue, contact Utah Gastroenterology to learn if you could benefit from FibroScan ultrasound technology.
Who is a candidate for FibroScan?
Our GI physicians in Utah may recommend FibroScan analysis for individuals battling early- to advanced-stage liver disease or other conditions of the liver. These might encompass:
- Different kinds of CLD (chronic liver disease)
- Alcoholic FLD
- Cirrhosis of the liver (harsh scarring)
- Specific types of hepatitis
- Metabolic syndrome
- PBC (primary biliary cholangitis)
- NASH or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
- Hemochromatosis
How is FibroScan conducted?
FibroScan exams with our Utah physicians are comfortable and quick, usually taking 10 – 15 minutes. A detector will be put on your skin right next to your liver. This advanced detector passes sound waves through your liver to quantify the speed at which sound goes through the organ. The FibroScan system then makes a sequence of findings that your Utah Gastroenterology gastrointestinal specialists will take advantage of to classify the degree of hardness (fibrosis) existing inside of your heptic system (liver).
How do you read and interpret FibroScan results?
By interpreting your FibroScan results, you and your GI physician will be able to determine the level of steatosis (fatty liver disease) in your liver, as well as the severity of any scarring (called fibrosis). The following charts contain common measurements that you can expect to see in your scan results. You can talk over your findings more thoroughly with your Utah Gastroenterology specialist following your FibroScan exam.
Steatosis grade of severity: The steatosis result depicts the level of fatty change in the liver and is provided through a controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) score, which is calculated in dB/m (decibels per meter). The range is from 100 to 400 dB/m, and various ranges result in a different steatosis grade.
|
CAP Score (dB/m) |
Steatosis Grade |
Amount of Liver With Fatty Change |
|
238 – 260 |
S1 |
11% – 33% |
|
260 – 290 |
S2 |
34% – 66% |
|
290+ |
S3 |
67%+ |
Fibrosis score: The fibrosis end result is a measurement of the scarring of the liver and represents the degree of scarring that the liver has experienced. Your gastrointestinal specialists will use your FibroScan findings in conjunction with your medical records to ascertain your fibrosis value. different liver conditions and diseases can impact the fibrosis score.
- F0 to F1: void of scarring/mild scarring
- F2: Moderate scarring
- F3: Severe scarring
- F4: Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
What are the advantages of FibroScan?
Like many ultrasound procedures, FibroScan presents very little risk of complications. FibroScan is a noninvasive ultrasound practice and, as a result, is typically comfortable. It allows for a wider study of the entire liver rather than an examination of only a very small portion that occurs in a liver biopsy. Also, no sedation medication is essential for the treatment, it is relatively inexpensive, swiftly accomplished, and generally renders results quickly.
Expert care for liver conditions
As the second-largest organ in the body, the liver is responsible for a number of jobs that are essential to your well-being. Fibrosis and steatosis may impact your liver and your body in various ways and could lead to mortal diseases without apt care. For more information about FibroScan in Utah or to connect with a hepatologist close to you, please get in touch with your local Utah Gastroenterology office today.
FibroScan® FAQs
How do I prepare for the FibroScan exam?
You won’t be allowed to drink or eat anything at all in the three hours leading up to your FibroScan test. It is okay to still take any medications you normally take as prescribed. We recommend you come in wearing loose clothing so it’s easy for our team to reach the right of your ribcage. We will discuss these instructions with you before the exam to ensure you know exactly what you should expect before, during, and after your FibroScan test.
What liver diseases will FibroScan evaluate?
The FibroScan test can uncover and track the evolvement of several liver diseases, including:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- Alcoholic liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Hemochromatosis
What is the difference between FibroScan and an ultrasound?
The FibroScan test is actually a kind of ultrasound and uses the same tech a standard ultrasound uses, called transient elastography. While the two are similar, FibroScan was invented to measure the stiffness of the liver and is perceptibly more keen on discovering liver issues than an ultrasound.
Is FibroScan more advanced than a liver biopsy?
FibroScan is a nonsurgical and minimally invasive alternative of a liver biopsy. Even so, there are sometimes instances in which a biopsy of the liver might be preferred. This may be the case in patients who have a defibrillator or pacemaker, are pregnant, or have fluid in their abdomen. It has also been determined that results could become incorrect in patients who are considered obese. Keeping all of this in mind, our Utah Gastroenterology GI providers will closely work with you to help you decide if this test or a traditional liver biopsy is right for you.
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Dr Miller was a very smart and caring Dr. I was grateful for the time he took with my husband and I. Happy to recommend him for issues you are going through. Thanks, Lyle and Janet Meadows
Well, besides saving my life along with his staff and nurses, Dr. Maxwell is very concerned with your well being, and takes the time to answer all of your questions and researches ones he’s not positive about on the spot. Very knowledgeable, kind, and never talks down to you. Excellent with older patients. I can’t say enough good about my care there, and for years. Thank you.
This Dr is the best GI Dr I’ve ever seen. Patient, knowledgeable, efficient, extremely considerate of his patients. He helps his patients with no ego involved. I really cannot say enough because he’s good at everything. The worst I can say about Dr Maxwell is that he is so good that he’s very busy. It can be a wait to get in but even then if it’s serious they will make arrangements to take care of you.
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I have been to Dr. Bown twice for colonoscopies. He has given excellent care. His staff has been amazing and kind. Because of this, I have recommended him to several family members and friends. Thank you, Dr. Bown and staff.
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