What Is FibroScan? A Patient’s Guide to Liver Fat and Fibrosis Testing
By MediScan Systems | Updated August 2025

If you’ve been advised to check your liver health or are living with conditions like fatty liver disease, hepatitis, or obesity, you may have heard of FibroScan. But what exactly is it? How is it different from a liver biopsy? And when should you consider getting one?

At MediScan Systems, one of the leading diagnostic centers in Chennai, we now offer FibroScan — a fast, painless, non-invasive way to assess liver fat (steatosis) and liver stiffness (fibrosis). Here’s everything you need to know.

What Is FibroScan

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What Is FibroScan?

FibroScan is a specialized ultrasound-based device that measures how stiff your liver is — a key indicator of liver scarring (fibrosis) — and also quantifies how much fat is stored in your liver cells. It is also known as transient elastography.

Unlike a liver biopsy, FibroScan is:

  • Non-invasive
  • Painless
  • Quick (10–15 minutes)
  • Repeatable over time

It is FDA-approved and widely used in liver clinics globally to monitor chronic liver conditions.

How FibroScan Works

FibroScan uses two key technologies:

1. Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM)

  • Measures the speed of a mechanical vibration (shear wave) through the liver.
  • Stiffer liver tissue means more fibrosis or scarring
  • Results are given in kilopascals (kPa) — higher values indicate more severe fibrosis.

2. Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP)

  • Measures the fat content in the liver (steatosis).
  • CAP scores are given in decibels per meter (dB/m) — higher scores suggest fatty liver.
  • Helps detect and grade non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Who Should Get a FibroScan?

You should consider a FibroScan if you:

  • Have been diagnosed with fatty liver on ultrasound
  • Suffer from obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or metabolic syndrome
  • Have chronic liver infections like Hepatitis B or C
  • Drink alcohol regularly or have a history of alcohol-related liver disease
  • Need routine monitoring for liver conditions
  • Want to avoid invasive liver biopsy procedures

FibroScan is safe for most individuals, including children and the elderly. However, it may not be ideal in pregnancy or if you have ascites (abdominal fluid).

What to Expect During a FibroScan Test

The procedure is simple and takes around 10–15 minutes:

  • You’ll lie on your back with your right arm above your head.
  • A small probe is placed between your ribs on the right side.
  • The probe sends vibrations through the liver while capturing echoes.
  • You may feel a slight vibration — it’s completely painless.
  • No needles, sedation, or downtime.

You may be asked to fast for 3–6 hours before the test to improve accuracy.

Interpreting FibroScan Results

Your doctor will receive two main values:

  • LSM (kPa) — liver stiffness for fibrosis staging (F0 to F4)
  • CAP (dB/m) — liver fat grading (S1 to S3)
Condition CAP Range (dB/m) LSM Range (kPa)
Normal Liver < 238 < 5.5
Mild Steatosis 238–260 5.5–7.0
Moderate Steatosis 260–290 7.0–9.5
Severe Steatosis > 290 > 9.5

Always consult your doctor for accurate interpretation based on your history.

Why Choose MediScan for FibroScan in Chennai?

At MediScan Systems, Chennai, we provide

  • Latest-generation FibroScan machine.
  • Expert Interpretation.
  • Same-day reports.
  • Located in a central Chennai medical hub with easy access.
  • Personalized dietary and lifestyle counselling post-assessment.

We help you detect fatty liver early, avoid complications, and track progress over time without the need for painful procedures.

Final Thoughts

Early detection is the key to reversing liver damage. If you're concerned about fatty liver or liver fibrosis, don't wait until symptoms show. A FibroScan at MediScan Chennai can give you peace of mind and a path toward better liver health — without needles or discomfort.