Frequently Asked Questions:

•This is a bedside examination which is used to assess liver stiffness/scarring (fibrosis), and liver fat (steatosis).

• It is a painless and non-invasive investigation, and a reliable substitute for liver biopsy in many cases.

• The result is immediate; it shows whether your liver is normal or scarred and can be repeated in time to monitor your liver condition.

• Wear comfortable clothes that allow access to the right side of your rib cage. 

• You should be fasting for at least 3 hours before your examination. During this time, you can take water only.

• The examination is carried out by a trained operator (doctor, nurse or technician).

• You will lie on your back with your right arm above your head.

• You will cross your right leg over your left to help open your rib spaces.

• The operator will apply gel to the skin in the area over the liver and slide a probe around between the rib spaces until the liver is located.

• When the operator is satisfied that 10 reliable measurements have been achieved in the same area, the test is complete. This can take between 2 and 20 minutes.

• No. Fibroscan is painless. You may feel a slight vibration from the probe as the measurements are taken.

• A report with recommendations will be generated within 3 working days by our liver specialist and will be sent electronically to you and your doctor.