Fibroscan
Fibroscan is a non-invasive method of estimating the amount of liver scarring (fibrosis). This is especially helpful in those with chronic liver disease such has hepatitis B, hepatitis C and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, NASH). There are machines in most of the tertiary referral hospitals in Melbourne.
Over-estimation of the amount of fibrosis can occur in some situations and results need to be taken in context of recent blood test and the clinical situation. Situations can be from acute inflammation (e.g. viral illness, alcohol binge), liver congestion (e.g. heart failure) and mass lesions. If the readings do NOT correlate with the clinical findings, your doctor may decide to proceed to a liver biopsy.
However, Fibroscan can be a very useful tool in the monitoring, treatment and prognosis of chronic liver problems.
LRH Fibroscan
Alfred Fibroscan Referral
Southern Health Fibroscan Referral
St. Vincents Fibroscan Referral