Transient Elastography (FibroScan)

Transient Elastography Assessment (commonly referred to as FibroScan®)

What is Transient Elastography?

Transient elastography is a quick, painless, non-invasive test that assesses the health of your liver. Using advanced ultrasound-based technology, Liver elastography measures:

  • Liver stiffness, which can indicate fibrosis (scarring)
  • Liver fat content, which can indicate fatty liver disease

The test provides valuable information about liver health without the need for needles, sedation, or a liver biopsy in many patients.

Who may benefit from a Transient Elastography?

Transient elastography is commonly used for patients who may be at risk of liver disease, including those with:

  • Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Obesity or excess weight
  • High cholesterol or metabolic syndrome
  • Abnormal liver function tests
  • Alcohol-related liver disease
  • Chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C
  • Other chronic liver conditions
  • Medications associated with fatty liver disease or liver injury, including tamoxifen

Many liver conditions cause few or no symptoms in their early stages. Transient elastography can help identify liver damage before it becomes more advanced, allowing earlier intervention and management.

Liver Disease

What happens during the test?

Transient elastography is like an ultrasound examination.

During your appointment:

  • You will lie comfortably on an examination bed
  • A small probe is placed on the skin over your liver
  • The probe delivers gentle, painless vibrations that measure liver stiffness and fat content
  • Results are available immediately

The scan itself usually takes less than 10 minutes.

Liver scan

Is Liver elastography painful?

No. Transient elastography is completely non-invasive and painless. There are no needles, injections, or recovery time required, and most patients find the test quick and comfortable.

Do I need to prepare?

You may be asked not to eat for several hours before your appointment. Any preparation instructions will be provided when your booking is confirmed.

Benefits of Liver elastography

  • Quick and painless
  • Non-invasive
  • No recovery time required
  • Immediate results
  • Assesses liver fibrosis and fatty liver disease
  • May reduce the need for liver biopsy in some patients
  • Supports early detection and monitoring of liver disease
  • Cost is covered by most Insurance Companies

Transient elastography assessment: $300

Find Out More

If you have concerns about your liver health or would like to know whether transient elastography is right for you, please speak with your healthcare provider for further information.

Early detection of liver disease can make a significant difference to long-term health outcomes.

Referrals

Referrals are welcomed from GPs, specialists, nurse practitioners, and other healthcare providers.

Email referrals to: livernurse@rutherfordclinic.co.nz