A fibroscan is an exam of your liver that is similar to ultrasound. Fibroscan uses vibration controlled transient elastrography technology to determine liver health non-invasively.

When other tests indicate that your liver may not be working properly, your doctor may want to do a fibroscan to more accurately learn the condition of your liver. Unlike a liver biopsy, a fibroscan is usually quick, painless and performed in a clinic setting.

Fibroscan is a simple, non-invasive way to learn the condition of your liver. A Fibroscan helps:

• determine how much fat is stored in the liver; and
• determine the degree of fibrosis and/or cirrhosis.

To have a Fibroscan you will not be able to eat or drink anything for three hours before the test. You may not have a Fibroscan exam if you have any or all of the following:

• an implanted electrical device, such as a pacemaker or defibrillator, or
• *patients with insulin pumps may have a fibroscan as long as the electronic part is removed before the exam
• if you are pregnant

Fibroscan is a simple exam that involves you lying on your back with your right arm raised behind your head. The technician will apply a water-based gel to your skin on the ride side of your body at the rib cage and then apply a probe with slight pressure. This is not painful. The exam includes ten consecutive measurements taken at the same location.

After the exam you may eat and drink as usual and continue your daily activities. There is no down time or recovery period needed after a fibroscan. A study investigator or physician will interpret the fibroscan report and review the results with you.

There are no risks in having a fibroscan.