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What is FibroScan?
At Digestive Healthcare Center, we are proud to offer our patients access to our new, revolutionary FibroScan machine. FibroScan is an innovative tool essential for the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and other liver diseases. It may also help patients who are at risk for fibrosis (liver scarring) or liver cirrhosis, and serves as a non-invasive diagnostic tool that eliminates the need for an uncomfortable and invasive biopsy of the liver. Our qualified professionals at Digestive Healthcare Center are dedicated to finding the best solutions for our patients, currently offering a unique approach to diagnostic testing as one of the only gastrointestinal health facilities in central New Jersey to use the FibroScan.
Early Detection of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in NJ
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, is a liver condition caused by excess fat within the organ. It’s also the more progressive form of a condition known as NAFLD, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which could cause liver cell damage and/or cirrhosis. Such complications can lead to other conditions, including internal bleeding, liver cancer, liver failure, and various cardiovascular issues. Both NAFLD and NASH may be caused by obesity, diabetes, metabolic disorders, and several other risk factors. If more than five percent of the liver’s weight is comprised of fat, the condition of steatosis is diagnosable. That’s why the early detection of NAFLD or NASH is incredibly beneficial. The FibroScan at Digestive Healthcare Center can help detect and diagnose early stages of NASH, helping us establish a management plan required for your individual needs so that you can avoid developing other serious conditions.
What are the Benefits of FibroScan?
With FibroScan, the liver can be tested without the need to visit a major medical center, no hospitalization or sedation is required, and no side effects have been reported. This type of diagnostic test is also more affordable than an invasive liver biopsy. Tests performed using the FibroScan have proven to be much more effective in the diagnosis of fatty liver disease as the elasticity of the entire liver is tested. This allows our professionals to determine the extent of disease and how much scarring has occurred.
How Should I Prepare for a FibroScan?
There are no major preparation steps associated with FibroScan, but your physician will provide any necessary instructions so the procedure can be completed as effectively as possible. Your doctor may advise you to not eat or drink anything for a few hours before your appointment. FibroScan does not require any sedation, so you will be able to drive yourself home. You should wear loose-fitting clothing to your appointment because the right side of your abdomen will need to be exposed.
Procedure Prep InstructionsWhat Can I Expect During a FibroScan Test in NJ?
A FibroScan test in NJ at Digestive Healthcare Center is pain-free. The test itself takes around 5 to 10 minutes and your results will be provided immediately after. During the procedure, you’ll lie down on your back with your right arm raised above your head so that your right abdominal area is exposed. A water-based gel will be applied to the abdominal area and the probe will be placed over your liver. The probe tests the velocity of a shear ultrasound wave, measured in meters per second, which is converted by one of our clinicians into a measurement of liver stiffness. This helps determine the presence of liver disease and your treatment moving forward. You’ll receive a copy of your results at the end of your appointment and start your treatment as soon as possible, if needed.
What are the Possible Risks of FibroScan?
FibroScan is a completely non-invasive procedure that is both simple and painless. There are no associated side effects, and patients are free to resume their regular activities (including driving and going to work) immediately after their appointment. FibroScan is not right for every patient, and your physician at DHC will determine if the test is right for you. Individuals who would not be able to undergo FibroScan include those who are pregnant or those who have an implantable device such as a pacemaker.
FibroScan Tests in New Jersey
DHC is proud to offer FibroScan testing at our Hillsborough office and surgical center, performed by our team of experienced nurses. Please call 908-218-9222 to learn more about this innovative procedure and to make your appointment.
FibroScan at Digestive Healthcare Center
Our team at Digestive Healthcare Center is dedicated to the well-being of our patients through comprehensive disease management. Through the implementation of FibroScan in the diagnosis of liver disease, we excel at preserving patient comfort, while minimizing the risks associated with traditional diagnostic and treatment methods. Your doctor will discuss the results of your FibroScan with you so the best next steps can be taken for your care and wellbeing. Contact our specialists at Digestive Healthcare Center to learn more about the conditions we treat or to schedule your FibroScan appointment today.