FibroScan

Gebze

FibroScan in Gebze is available at 1 hospital in the Voumed network.

FibroScan is a non-invasive, ultrasound-based device that measures how stiff the liver is, which reflects the degree of scarring, or fibrosis, and at the same time estimates the amount of fat in the liver. It offers a fast, painless alternative to a liver biopsy, with no incision or needle, and it assesses a larger area of the organ than a tiny tissue sample would. A probe is simply placed on the skin over the liver while the patient lies down, and a numerical result is available within minutes. It is widely used to detect and follow liver conditions and to guide and monitor treatment.

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At a glance

Type: non-invasive, ultrasound-based liver assessment
Used for: measuring liver stiffness (fibrosis) and fat in chronic liver conditions
Key benefit: a quick, painless alternative to liver biopsy with no needle
Radiation: none, it uses sound waves rather than X-rays
Where it is used: accredited hepatology and gastroenterology centres abroad

What it is

FibroScan is a specialised device that measures the health of the liver from the outside. A healthy liver is soft, but as scar tissue builds up from ongoing inflammation or disease, the liver becomes stiffer; FibroScan measures this stiffness as an indirect sign of how much fibrosis is present. Many versions also measure how much fat has accumulated in the liver. Because it gives objective numbers in a few minutes without taking a tissue sample, it has become a widely used tool for assessing chronic liver conditions and for following them over time without repeated invasive tests.

How it works

The patient lies down and a probe is placed on the skin over the liver, usually on the right side below the ribs. The probe sends a gentle vibration, or pulse, into the liver, which creates a small wave that travels through the tissue. The device measures how fast this wave moves: it travels faster through stiffer, more scarred tissue and more slowly through soft, healthy tissue. At the same time, an ultrasound signal can estimate the amount of fat. The machine takes several readings and combines them into a result within minutes. The whole process is painless, with only the sensation of the probe on the skin.

What it shows and who it helps

FibroScan helps detect and monitor chronic liver conditions such as fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C, and liver damage related to alcohol. By measuring stiffness and fat, it indicates how much scarring or fat has developed, which helps with early diagnosis, with deciding on treatment and with tracking whether the liver is improving or worsening over time. It is especially valuable for people who need their liver checked repeatedly, as it can be done as often as needed without a biopsy. It is suitable for both adults and children, and the results are always interpreted alongside blood tests and the wider clinical picture.

Benefits and what to expect

The main benefits of FibroScan are that it is quick, painless and non-invasive, with no needle, no incision and no radiation, and it can be repeated safely to follow a condition over time. It assesses a larger portion of the liver than a small biopsy sample and gives an objective number in minutes. For the patient, the experience is simple: you lie down, the probe is pressed against the skin over the liver, and you feel only a light tapping sensation. There is no recovery time and you can return to normal activities straight away. A physician reviews the result alongside your other tests.

Frequently asked questions

These answers are general guidance and may vary by provider. Confirm the details with the hospital you choose.

Is FibroScan safe?

Yes, it is very safe. FibroScan uses harmless sound waves and a gentle vibration rather than radiation or a needle, so there are no known risks from the test itself, and it can be repeated as often as needed. Because nothing enters the body, it avoids the small risks associated with a liver biopsy.

Does it hurt?

No. The examination is painless. You simply feel the probe resting on the skin and a light tapping or flicking sensation as the pulses are sent into the liver. Nothing pierces the skin, and most people find it very comfortable and are surprised how quick it is.

Do I need to fast or prepare beforehand?

Often yes. For an accurate result you are usually asked not to eat for a few hours before the test, as recent food can affect the readings, though you can normally drink water. The team will tell you exactly how long to fast and whether any other preparation is needed for your appointment.

How long does it take?

It is very quick. The measurement itself usually takes only a few minutes, and the whole appointment is short. You can go home and resume your normal day immediately afterwards, with no recovery time needed.

When will I get my results?

A numerical result is produced almost immediately and checked by both the device and the physician. Your doctor interprets it together with your blood tests and medical history, and will usually discuss what it means for your diagnosis and treatment shortly afterwards.