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What is a Non-invasive Liver Scan (FibroScan / FibroTouch)?
The liver is often referred to as the “silent organ” because early-stage fatty liver or liver fibrosis usually presents with no obvious symptoms. The non-invasive liver scan (using FibroScan or FibroTouch technology) is a modern, painless, and radiation-free diagnostic tool specifically designed to accurately quantify the health of your liver.
The device utilizes advanced Transient Elastography (TE) technology. It releases a controlled, low-frequency shear wave into the liver tissue and uses high-frequency signals to track and collect data. The system then compares this data against a vast built-in clinical database to precisely calculate Liver Stiffness (assessing the degree of fibrosis/scarring) and Fatty Attenuation Parameters (assessing the severity of fatty liver/steatosis). This technology detects early pathological changes, allowing for timely medical intervention to prevent progression to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Comparison of Diagnostic Methods for Liver Health
| Features | FibroScan / FibroTouch | Conventional Ultrasound | Blood Tests (Serology) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accuracy & Early Detection | Extremely High. Effectively diagnoses early-stage liver fibrosis and fatty liver. | Moderate. Usually only discovers moderate to severe/late-stage liver fibrosis. | Low. Normal liver enzymes do not rule out liver fibrosis. |
| Result Format | Provides objective, quantifiable, and accurate numerical values. | Relies on the doctor’s visual assessment and clinical experience. | Based purely on single lipid or enzyme parameters. |
| Invasiveness | 100% Non-invasive, painless, no radiation. | 100% Non-invasive, painless, no radiation. | Minimally invasive (requires blood draw). |
Who Should Get a Liver Scan?
We highly recommend regular liver stiffness and fatty liver assessments if you belong to any of the following high-risk groups:
- Carriers of Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C.
- Individuals with a habit of heavy or regular alcohol consumption.
- Those suffering from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol.
- Individuals whose routine health checks show elevated liver enzymes or a suspected fatty liver.
- People with a family history of liver diseases.
FAQ
Does the scan involve radiation? Can pregnant women or people with pacemakers do it?
This scan uses low-frequency elastic shear waves and is entirely free of ionizing radiation. However, as a strict medical precaution, we generally do not perform this scan on pregnant women. Additionally, individuals with implanted active medical devices, such as cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators, should NOT undergo a FibroScan/FibroTouch examination. Please inform our staff of your medical conditions when booking.
Why can't a conventional abdominal ultrasound replace a FibroScan?
A conventional ultrasound is excellent for finding liver tumors or cysts, but when it comes to judging the severity of fatty liver or fibrosis, it only provides a subjective visual impression. By the time fibrosis is clearly visible on a standard ultrasound, the condition is often quite severe. FibroScan provides precise quantitative numerical data, detecting even the slightest early scarring so you can take action to reverse it.
My blood test shows "normal liver enzymes." Do I still need this scan?
Yes. Blood tests for liver enzymes (like ALT/AST) mainly indicate if there is active inflammation or acute damage to liver cells at that moment. However, many patients with early-stage fatty liver or even developing fibrosis have perfectly normal liver enzyme levels. The non-invasive liver scan directly measures the actual amount of fat accumulation and tissue scarring, capturing issues that blood tests often miss.
