What is FibroScan?

FibroScan is the world's first non-invasive device capable of instant quantification of liver fibrosis. It uses a patented technology known as Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) to provide reliable, accurate and reproducible assessment of liver tissue stiffness.

It is a safe and comparable alternative to liver biopsy. Therefore, it can be used in patients with chronic liver diseases as well as in those without underlying liver disease.

Although liver biopsy remains the golden standard for assessing liver fibrosis, there are risks and disadvantages associated with liver biopsy. On the other hand, FibroScan is non-invasive and can be used repeatedly to monitor patients with chronic liver disease.

The volume of liver measured with FibroScan is also 100 times larger than a liver biopsy. Therefore, sampling error of a FibroScan is lower. Yet, the FibroScan result can be available readily. There is no need to wait weeks for the biopsy report.

In apparently healthy persons without known liver disease, or in patients without advanced liver disease, liver biopsy is invasive and thus rarely feasible. FibroScan is therefore a safe and comparable option for liver stiffness assessment.

The following people are at higher risk of having liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer:

- Chronic hepatitis B carrier
- Hepatitis C carrier
- Patients infected by HIV
- Persons with fatty liver disease
- Diabetes patients
- Persons with high alcohol intake
- Patients with alcoholic liver disease
- Patients on certain medications

Studies show that even with normal blood test results (liver function test), 18% of patients have already developed severe fibrosis. Furthermore, in patients aged 45 years or above and with normal liver function, 34% have developed severe fibrosis.

Therefore, anyone, with or without an underlying liver disease, or whether there are other indications of cirrhosis, can use FibroScan to assess liver fibrosis. It gives a better picture in management of your liver condition.

You will need to fast for 4 hours before the examination.

The scan will only take a few minutes, with you lying down. Several measurements will be obtained by the probe placed on your right abdomen. The technician will follow strict guidelines to only obtain measurements from a valid segment of your liver.

The liver stiffness result will be represented in units of kilopascals (kPa), which you can use for future comparisons.

Please call us at (852) 2110 9980 to make an appointment.

FibroScan Examination

Price HK$1,200