FibroScan® is a revolutionary, non-invasive diagnostic tool used for assessing liver health. It employs a technology known as transient elastography to measure liver stiffness, providing valuable insights into the presence and severity of liver fibrosis, steatosis (fatty liver), and cirrhosis. Developed by Echosens, FibroScan® has become an indispensable tool in the management of various liver diseases, offering several advantages over traditional liver biopsy.

How FibroScan® Works:
FibroScan® works by transmitting low-frequency ultrasound waves through the liver tissue. These waves propagate faster through healthy, soft liver tissue and slower through stiff, fibrotic tissue. By measuring the speed of these waves, FibroScan® can accurately quantify liver stiffness, which is closely correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis.

Key Features of FibroScan®:

  • Non-invasive: Unlike liver biopsy, FibroScan® does not require the insertion of needles or tissue sampling, making it a safer and more patient-friendly alternative.
  • Quick and Painless: A FibroScan® examination typically takes just a few minutes to complete and is painless for the patient. It does not require fasting or anesthesia.
  • Quantitative Results: FibroScan® provides objective, numerical measurements of liver stiffness, allowing for precise monitoring of disease progression and treatment response over time.
  • Versatile: FibroScan® can assess liver fibrosis in patients with various liver diseases, including hepatitis B and C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis.
  • Repeatable: FibroScan® can be performed repeatedly to track changes in liver stiffness over time, providing valuable longitudinal data for clinical management and research purposes.

Clinical Applications of FibroScan®:

  • Diagnosis: FibroScan® is used to diagnose liver fibrosis, steatosis, and cirrhosis, aiding clinicians in determining the severity of liver disease and guiding treatment decisions.
  • Monitoring: FibroScan® is employed to monitor disease progression and treatment response in patients with chronic liver conditions, helping to optimize therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes.
  • Screening: FibroScan® is utilized in liver health screening programs to identify individuals at risk of advanced liver disease and facilitate early intervention and management.
  • Clinical Trials: FibroScan® is increasingly utilized in clinical research studies to assess liver endpoints, evaluate treatment efficacy, and validate novel therapeutic interventions in liver diseases.

FibroScan® represents a significant advancement in the field of liver health assessment, offering a non-invasive, reliable, and convenient method for evaluating liver fibrosis and steatosis. With its versatility and clinical utility, FibroScan® has become an indispensable tool for healthcare providers, researchers, and patients alike in the management of liver diseases.

Research Associates is proud to offer the Fibroscan® as a service to other healthcare professionals or other clinical research sites. For more information about FibroScan® or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing comprehensive liver health services tailored to meet your needs.