An In-Depth Understanding of Fibroscan and Its Expanding Role in Liver Disease Diagnosis and Non-Invasive Clinical Asses
Fibroscan is a non-invasive diagnostic technology used to assess liver stiffness and liver fat levels using transient elastography. It has transformed the way clinicians evaluate chronic liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease, and cirrhosis. Traditional liver assessment relied heavily on biopsies, which are invasive, painful, and involve procedural risks. Fibroscan provides a simple, quick, and accurate alternative that offers real-time results without the need for sedation or recovery time.
At the core of Fibroscan technology is a specialized probe that emits a mechanical impulse into the liver. This impulse generates shear waves that travel through the liver tissue. The speed at which these waves move correlates with liver stiffness, which reflects fibrosis severity. Faster wave propagation indicates stiffer tissue, a hallmark of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. In addition to liver stiffness, Fibroscan provides the Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP), which measures liver fat…