What is a FibroScan?
A FibroScan® is a simple, non-invasive test that measures liver stiffness (an indicator of liver scarring or fibrosis) and liver fat content. Unlike traditional investigations, FibroScan can provide valuable information about the health of your liver without needles, surgery, or lengthy recovery times.
At Gastroenterology and Metabolic Specialists (GMS), FibroScan forms an important part of our comprehensive liver assessment, helping our specialists diagnose and monitor a wide range of liver conditions while guiding the most appropriate treatment plan.
Why is FibroScan important?
The liver is remarkably resilient, but many chronic liver diseases can progress quietly over many years. Patients may feel completely well despite developing liver inflammation or scarring.
FibroScan helps detect liver damage before complications develop, allowing treatment to begin earlier when it is most effective. It can also identify liver damage that may not be visible on routine blood tests, ultrasound, or CT scans. This makes it an invaluable tool for patients at risk of chronic liver disease.
Knowing the degree of liver fibrosis also helps specialists determine whether further investigations or ongoing monitoring are required. For patients with advanced liver disease, FibroScan results can help guide additional screening for complications associated with cirrhosis.
Who should consider having a FibroScan?
Your GP or specialist may recommend a FibroScan with Gastroenterology and Metabolic Specialists, if you have risk factors for liver disease or persistently abnormal liver blood tests.
You may benefit from a FibroScan if you have:
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD)
- Type 2 diabetes
- Obesity or metabolic syndrome
- High cholesterol or dyslipidaemia
- Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Haemochromatosis
- Persistently abnormal liver function tests
- Other known liver conditions requiring ongoing monitoring.
Many of these conditions increase the risk of developing liver fibrosis without causing noticeable symptoms. Early assessment allows your healthcare team to identify liver damage before it becomes irreversible.
What happens during the test?
One of the biggest advantages of FibroScan is how straightforward the procedure is.
The examination is performed in a standard consultation room and usually takes around five minutes. Before the test, patients are asked to fast for approximately three hours. A small amount of ultrasound gel is applied to the right side of the abdomen, and a specialised ultrasound probe gently delivers painless impulses through the skin to measure liver stiffness and fat content.
Once completed, your specialist can discuss the results with you immediately and explain whether any further investigations or treatment are recommended.
Comprehensive liver care at GMS
At Gastroenterology and Metabolic Specialists, we provide comprehensive assessment and management of liver conditions, including:
- Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
- Liver fibrosis
- Hepatitis B and hepatitis C
- Alcohol-related liver disease
- Cirrhosis
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Haemochromatosis and other chronic liver disorders
Using advanced diagnostic tools such as FibroScan, alongside blood tests, imaging, and specialist consultation, we aim to diagnose liver disease early and develop personalised treatment plans that help prevent long-term complications.
If you’ve been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, have abnormal liver blood tests, or have risk factors for chronic liver disease, speak with your GP about a referral to GMS. Early diagnosis and timely management can help prevent progression and protect your long-term liver health.