The liver is one of the most important and vital organs in the human body. It carries various functions relating to the blood, from removing old red blood cells to aiding in blood clotting. It also helps metabolize proteins, fats, and carbohydrates so that the body can use them as they are needed. If liver problems arise, it is important to take action because a liver ailment left untreated can lead to serious and sometimes life-threatening complications.
For these reasons, liver health must be prioritized and monitored. If you are someone who has been advised to keep an eye on your liver, tools like FibroScan GO can be the help you need in maintaining liver health.
Newtown Gastroenterology provides specialized care in diagnostic tools such as the FibroScan GO to provide patients with comprehensive liver assessments. If you want to learn more about the FibroScan GO, schedule an appointment with our expert gastroenterologists today.
In the meantime, let’s learn more about what FibroScan GO is, how it works, and why it is becoming more commonly used.
What is FibroScan GO, and How Does it Differ From Traditional Imaging?
FibroScan GO is a type of medical device that assesses liver health. It’s a type of procedure that is non-invasive, meaning it doesn’t need to go inside the body. FibroScan GO differs from traditional imaging in that traditional imaging creates an image through sound waves and focuses on identifying structural changes. FibroScan GO is a type of ultrasound that uses sound waves to show how they pass through the liver to determine its stiffness as well as fat content.
How Does FibroScan GO Measure Liver Stiffness?
FibroScan GO is a type of elastography, meaning it is a type of medical imaging that is used to assess the stiffness of tissue: in this case, the liver. The wave that is sent into the liver is used to measure its stiffness. When the liver has become stiffer from scarring, the waves that are released pass through the liver faster. In conjunction with measuring the stiffness of the liver, FibroScan GO can also measure the fat in the liver. The more the sound waves are absorbed, the higher the fat content is in the liver.
Why is the FibroScan GO Useful?
When assessing conditions such as fatty liver disease and fibrosis, the FibroScan GO is much more helpful than an ultrasound. An ultrasound only provides an image of the liver, in which the structure can be evaluated. This screening method is used to identify things like tumors, cysts, and gallstones. However, ultrasound screenings can be inadequate in evaluating fatty liver disease and fibrosis because they require a more comprehensive screening.
The FibroScan GO helps to assess the stiffness and amount of fat. Based on the elasticity and Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score, the severity of the condition can be evaluated. After results have been given, a doctor can help assess what the next steps should be.
What Can Patients Expect During Their Test?
There is normally no special preparation needed before having a FibroScan GO procedure, but your doctor may advise you to fast beforehand. It’s recommended that the patient wear looser-fitting clothing, so that the FibroScan GO can be placed in the abdominal area.
Here’s how it works:
- The patient lies on an exam table on their back with their right arm raised.
- Gel is placed on the abdomen, followed by the FibroScan GO probe being placed onto the skin.
- The procedure takes about 15 minutes, but the amount of time can vary.
- Afterward, your doctor will go over the results and discuss what the next steps will be, if applicable.
Who Benefits From Early Liver Screening?
Early screenings of the liver can be beneficial in addressing current and future health concerns. Early diagnoses can help improve the treatment outcome and reduce potential complications. FibroScan GO can be especially beneficial for those with liver disease, including:
- Hepatitis B and C
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- Liver disease that is related to alcohol usage
- Type 2 diabetes
- High liver enzyme levels
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
These diseases can often have symptoms that include:
- Jaundice
- Fatigue
- Dark urine
- Pale and/or bloody stool
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Itchy skin
- Bruising more than normal
- Poor appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to schedule a FibroScan GO screening as soon as possible.
Schedule Your Consultation with Newtown Gastroenterology
Maintaining the health of your liver is important to the overall health of the body. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect that it could be liver disease, Schedule an appointment with our skilled gastroenterologists today to discuss if the FibroScan GO is the right solution for your health needs.
