FibroScan
A quick ultrasound-based scan that measures how much fat is in your liver - and whether it’s stiffening from scarring.
TypeScan · Ultrasound
HowA probe on your right side for about 10 minutes. Painless.
How oftenWhen liver risk is present; repeated to track change.
BeforeFast for about 3 hours beforehand.
WhoPeople with raised liver enzymes, excess weight, diabetes or heavy alcohol use.
Fatty liver is common - and usually silent
Fat builds up in the liver with excess weight, insulin resistance and alcohol. Most people feel nothing. Over years, some develop inflammation and scarring (fibrosis) - the part that really matters.
Liver fat
“Do I have fatty liver?”
The CAP score shows how much fat is present.
Very common
Liver stiffness
“Is it causing damage?”
Stiffness (kPa) shows whether scarring has started.
Key for risk
Good news
“Can it improve?”
Fat - and early scarring - can improve with weight loss, exercise and less alcohol.
Often reversible
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- Your ALT, AST or GGT are raised.
- You have type 2 diabetes, excess weight or insulin resistance.
- An ultrasound showed fatty liver.
- You drink alcohol regularly.
A better option if…
- Your liver enzymes and risk are low - it’s rarely needed.
- A simple FIB-4 score from routine bloods may be used first to decide who needs it.
How it’s measured
FibroScan (transient elastography)
Measures stiffness and fat (CAP) in one scan.
FIB-4 score
A calculation from routine bloods and age - often the first step.
Liver ultrasound
Shows fat, but not stiffness.
The full picture
What is it?
A specialised ultrasound that measures liver stiffness and fat.
What type of test is it?
An imaging test.
What does it measure?
Liver stiffness (kPa) and fat (CAP score).
Why might someone consider it?
To detect fatty liver and scarring without a biopsy.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with metabolic risk, raised liver enzymes or regular alcohol use.
How is it performed?
A probe is placed between your ribs on the right side.
How often might it be considered?
Every 1–3 years if risk is present, or as advised.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether your liver has fat, and whether it’s scarring.
What are its limitations?
Less accurate with severe obesity, inflammation or recent meals.
What should it be viewed with?
Liver enzymes, FIB-4, HbA1c, fasting insulin, weight and alcohol intake.
Where to get it
Through your provider
A referral to radiology or an imaging centre.
Imaging centres
Some accept self-referral - check coverage first.
Hospital programmes
Often bundle the scan with specialist advice.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Is my FIB-4 score low enough to skip a FibroScan?
- What do my CAP and stiffness numbers mean?
- When should I repeat it?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
Refer Ziva to my provider / care team
Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your FibroScan result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
Refer my providerAlready seeing your provider?
Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your FibroScan result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
Get my 30-day reportNo provider? Find a clinical partner
Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test