What Is the FibroScan® test Used for and What Does It Do?
7/6/2023
In the past, the way to ascertain the state of your liver was by a surgical liver biopsy. Because of today’s advancements in technology, providers can begin to test the progression of their patients’ liver through a relatively easy, nonsurgical ultrasound procedure, FibroScan. At Specialists in Gastroenterology, our team provides this fast and effectual exam to test your liver health and help you preserve your general health and wellness. For additional clarification about FibroScan testing and how it can help establish the health of your liver, reach out to one of our St. Louis, MO locations.
What is the FibroScan?
The FibroScan test is a liver elastography that relies on ultrasound technology to determine damage to the liver. This straightforward exam can discover liver scarring and liver stiffness. Liver scarring, also called liver fibrosis, develops as a result of exorbitant alcohol use, a high-fat diet, being excessively overweight, type 2 diabetes, and other factors. Liver scarring is known to lead to liver cirrhosis, or, simply put, the excessive damage and scarring of a person’s liver. Late stages of cirrhosis can result in exhaustion, unintended weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), cancer, and even liver failure.
Where a biopsy of the liver requires a sedative, a surgical procedure, and hours of your time and attention, the FibroScan test can typically be completed within about ten minutes. This procedure involves basically no pain, and often you are allowed to resume your typical schedule once released.
Why is FibroScan necessary?
Because of the results linked to liver damage, it is very important to take the health of your liver with the utmost importance. This is how FibroScan can come in. After finishing the FibroScan, our St. Louis, MO gastrointestinal specialists will utilize this information to detect and manage liver issues, including:
- Hepatitis B or C
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
- Alcohol-related liver diseases
We may also appraise how your liver damage has continued to develop. Keeping track of this makes it easier for us to construct a unique treatment plan for your needs.
How long will it take before I get my FibroScan test results?
A second bonus of the FibroScan test is your results are often available within a few days. Liver biopsy results may take about two weeks, however. As a result of the FibroScan, you can have your test results rapidly, which allows you to begin treatment as soon as possible.
After we go over your results, our team of gastroenterologists will get in touch with you or meet with you to discuss the results. Our team can help you better understand the findings, as well as what the findings mean for your liver and general health.
Is it possible to reverse negative FibroScan results?
If your FibroScan test results suggest liver damage, there are a number of things you can do to help reverse the liver damage or put a stop to new damage from developing. A few simple steps you can take in order to optimize your liver health include, but are not limited to:
- Cut out alcohol use
- Begin a high-fiber, low-fat diet
- Work with your team of doctors to swap medications as necessary
- Move your body every day
- Lose weight if you are obese
Request a FibroScan in St. Louis, MO
An effective way to prevent medical issues like this is by taking control of your health in general. By undergoing simple, virtually painless exams like FibroScan, you can understand your liver health so you can make any changes prior to further damage occurs. At Specialists in Gastroenterology, our team of GI providers are proud to provide this revolutionary liver biopsy alternative. Schedule an appointment at a St. Louis, MO location by you to get more information.