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FibroScan

FibroScan (also called transient elastography) is an examination to check the stiffness of your liver. It's a non-invasive (no needles) procedure that is quick, painless and gives an immediate result.

This procedure allows your doctor to check the amount of scarring (fibrosis) in your liver. It's often used instead of a liver biopsy.

During a FibroScan examination

Patient having a FibroScanYou shouldn't eat or drink for two hours before the examination as this may affect the result.

After the procedure

Your doctor will interpret the results according to your medical record and your disease.

The FibroScan result helps assess how likely it is that you'll have liver complications. It also often helps with decisions about the timing of any hepatitis treatments.

In some cases, for example, if you have severe fibrosis (cirrhosis), your doctor may recommend you have regular ultrasound scans.

Written by the Gastroenterology Department, Christchurch Hospital. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2021.

Page reference: 51999

Review key: HILIV-52878