A quick, painless, non‑invasive test that estimates liver scarring (fibrosis) and fat (steatosis).
Note: Valley Gastroenterology does not perform FibroScan on‑site. We coordinate referrals to trusted regional centers and review results with you.
What is a FibroScan?
FibroScan (vibration‑controlled transient elastography) uses a gentle pulse and ultrasound to measure how stiff the liver is (reported in kPa) and how much fat is present (the CAP score). No needles, no dye, and no sedation. The test takes about 10–15 minutes.
Who might benefit from FibroScan?
- Metabolic/NAFLD‑MASLD (fatty liver) or suspected NASH
- Alcohol‑related liver disease
- Chronic hepatitis B or C
- Autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
- Hemochromatosis or other genetic/metabolic liver diseases
- Abnormal liver tests or abnormal liver ultrasound
Decisions about testing are individualized. Your clinician will recommend FibroScan if it may change management.
Why this matters
- Helps stage liver fibrosis without a biopsy in many patients
- Guides treatment choices and monitoring frequency
- Identifies patients who may need additional imaging, labs, or specialty therapy
How to prepare
- Fasting: Avoid food and calorie‑containing drinks for 3 hours before the test if possible (water is fine). A large, recent meal can affect accuracy.
- Clothing: Wear a top that allows easy access to the right upper abdomen.
- Medications: Take your usual medicines unless told otherwise.
What to expect on test day (at the referral center)
- Check‑in (5–10 min): Basic screening and consent.
- Positioning: You’ll lie on your back with your right arm above your head.
- Measurement (5–10 min): A probe is placed over the liver area; you’ll feel a light tapping sensation. It is painlessand you can breathe normally.
- Afterwards: You can drive and resume normal activity right away.
Results & follow‑up
- Results include liver stiffness (kPa) and CAP (fat estimate). Reliability metrics may also be reported.
- Turnaround: We typically receive reports within 3–7 business days from the referral partner.
- We interpret the results in context of your history, labs, BMI, and imaging. Based on the findings, we may adjust medications, recommend weight‑loss strategies, treat viral hepatitis, order additional tests, or schedule surveillance.
Safety & limitations
- No radiation and no injections; very safe for most people.
- May be less accurate with significant obesity, acute inflammation, congestive heart failure, or ascites.
- Not a replacement for a liver biopsy when tissue diagnosis is required.
- Tell the team if you are pregnant or have implanted devices; the test is generally considered safe, but screening questions are routine.
Day‑of checklist
- ❑ Government ID & insurance card
- ❑ List of medications & allergies
- ❑ Light top/separable layers for easy access to the right upper abdomen
- ❑ Avoid eating for ~3 hours beforehand (water OK)
Costs & insurance
- Coverage varies. When medically necessary, many plans cover FibroScan; some require prior authorization.
- We will submit the referral and provide any supporting clinical notes. The performing center will bill your insurance directly.
How referral works at Valley Gastroenterology
- Clinic visit: We confirm the indication and discuss alternatives.
- Referral: We schedule you at a partner center (commonly in the Mat‑Su/Anchorage area) at a date/time convenient for you.
- Results review: We contact you with results and next steps, or review them at your follow‑up visit. A copy is available through our portal upon request.
Contact:
Valley Gastroenterology
3190 E Meridian Park Loop, Suite 206
Wasilla, Alaska 99654
Phone: (907) 373-2544
Fax: (844) 689-4240
Web: ValleyGastroAK.com
Liver FibroScan (Transient Elastography)