Non-Invasive Liver Testing

FibroScan® Technology

 

FibroScan® provides a painless and reliable alternative to liver biopsy, and is covered by most major insurance carriers. Our office was the first in Kansas City to offer this examination to patients.

FibroScan® is an FDA-approved liver scan using shear wave technology (similar to an ultrasound) to identify the presence and severity of liver fibrosis (scar tissue) and fat build up in the liver. Using shear wave to measure the elasticity of the liver, FibroScan is an improved technique called Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE™). As the shear wave passes through the liver, it is affected by the amount of scarring (fibrosis), and this is interpreted to give an accurate global assessment of the stage of fibrosis.  The stiffer the liver, the more severe fibrosis and the more damage that has occurred to the liver tissue.

 

 

 

Alternative to liver biopsy near me in Kansas City
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What is liver fibrosis and why detect it early?

Liver fibrosis is a condition of scarring and stiffness of the liver and is caused by a variety of medical conditions.

The most advanced form of scarring is called cirrhosis. Cirrhosis can result from long term liver infections or long-term liver inflammation (including excessive alcohol, autoimmune, and genetic diseases) in which the healthy liver tissues are slowly replaced by scar tissues. Initially the scar tissue is fine, delicate and hard to detect, but over time it accumulates and can take over the entire liver, replacing normal tissue. This can prevent the liver from working properly and can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.

Even if your disease is in an early stage, we recommend patients get regular check-ups with their health care provider.  Routine bloodwork and monitoring with a FibroScan will allow your doctor to monitor your liver’s health and address potential disease progression sooner. Because liver diseases rarely present with symptoms until more advanced stages arise, patients do not often address the issue or receive a diagnosis until the liver becomes severely scarred.

Being proactive with your health can help prevent advanced liver disease and cirrhosis. By maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and limiting alcohol consumption, you reduce your chances of developing the known risk factors that contribute to NAFLD and NASH.

KCRI can analyze your recent labs and help recommend next steps to keep your liver’s health a top priority in any stage of life.

Who could benefit from a Fibroscan?

Patients with any of the following health conditions:

  • Viral infections, such as Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C

  • Alcohol related liver disease

  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NASH)

  • Autoimmune Hepatitis

  • Other types of chronic liver disease such as:

    • Hemochromatosis

    • Primary Biliary Cholangitis

    • Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

FibroScan® for Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C patients

Patients who live with viral hepatitis might not have any noticeable health problems for years. However, as the years progress, scarring in the liver can build up and slowly lead to advancing liver disease. 

With the new FibroScan® technology, it is now easy to measure the health of the liver and see how much scarring the hepatitis virus has caused. Knowing the stage of fibrosis can help assist physicians in the development of an effective treatment plan.

FibroScan® may also aid your physician and your pharmacist in gaining insurance approval of new hepatitis C treatments that would otherwise be costly or unavailable.

 

 

Monitoring the Progress of the Liver Disease

FibroScan® tests can be repeated regularly (e.g., every 6-12 months) without any health risks, which can help us monitor the progression of a liver disease. Should you start a treatment (e.g., for hepatitis C), or make lifestyle changes to mitigate the damage to your liver, we can provide you with a follow-up examination to measure the impact the treatment/lifestyle change had on your liver.

The sooner you know the state of your liver, the sooner you can act to prevent irreversible liver damage.

  • Benefits
    • FDA approved
    • Non-invasive, 10-minute procedure
    • Early detection of liver fibrosis
    • Performed in our office
    • No hospitalization
    • No recovery time
    • Covered by most insurance companies
  • Candidates
    • Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C
    • Liver disease related to alcohol consumption
    • Alcoholic Fatty liver disease
    • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH)
    • Autoimmune Hepatitis
    • Chronic liver disease, such as:
        • Hemochromatosis
        • Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)
        • Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)
  • Exam Process During a FibroScan, your technician will use a probe to send shear waves through your liver. This provides a measure of the amount of scaring and fat buildup in your liver. This, in conjunction with your medical history, will give your doctor important information regarding your liver health.
    • Do not eat or drink for three hours prior to a FibroScan appointment. No additional preparation for this appointment is necessary.
    • This noninvasive procedure is painless and does not require any form of sedation.
    • The FibroScan procedure only takes a few minutes to complete, after which you are immediately back on your feet.
    • Results are sent for review and interpretation, then shared with you and/or your provider.
KCRI FibroScan®

Ready to Schedule a Fibroscan? Here's How.

  • Referral from a physician

  • Self-Referral

  • Clinical Trial

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