What is the fibroscan?

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 3, 2023

The fibroscan (liver elastography) is a diagnostic method useful for quantifying liver fibrosis, i.e. the scarring phenomenon that follows diseases such as viral hepatitis and can lead to cirrhosis of the liver

This technique is performed using an instrument called a fibroscan

The device consists of an ultrasound probe mounted on a vibrating system, similar at first sight to that of common ultrasound scanners.

The fibroscan probe is applied to the skin of the ribs on the right: the impulse it generates causes an elastic wave to propagate through the liver, the speed of which, measured by means of ultrasound, is directly related to its rigidity (which in turn depends on the amount of fibrosis).

Until now, this information could only be obtained by means of a liver biopsy, i.e. by taking a sample from the liver, performed under local anaesthesia with a special needle.

However, liver biopsy is an invasive procedure; moreover, the fragment of tissue obtained, if small, may not accurately represent the state of the liver in its entirety.

Because of its characteristics, therefore, the fibroscan is particularly useful for monitoring liver disease, its evolution and response to treatment over time.

Is the fibroscan painful or dangerous?

No, it is neither painful nor dangerous, like any ultrasound scan.

Who can have a fibroscan?

Anyone can undergo this investigation on the recommendation of a treating physician or specialist.

How does the test work?

The fibroscan is an outpatient procedure that takes a maximum of 15 minutes, is completely painless, can be easily repeated over time and is representative of a liver tissue sample at least one hundred times larger than that obtained from a typical liver biopsy.

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