As the Founder of Hepatitis Technologies, I can
confirm that the Fibroscan is the most amazing tool to gauge the level, or
progression of your disease state. And as a victim of Hepatitis B&C, I can
testify to the utility of FibroScan technology in monitoring my liver health. (Listen to my full story on our Pod Cast, and take the time to
review my picture storyboard.) Imagine having a glass window to look
into your liver, to see how it is coping and to see at what level the disease
is currently at.
The Fibroscan, using a technology that is called "Transient Elastography” sends
a low frequency elastic wave through the liver via a probe located close to the
liver surface. The speed of this wave is directly proportional to the existing
hardness of the liver due to its collagen fiber content, a condition that is
called liver fibrosis. This wave speed is measured using pulsating ultrasound
and is mathematically converted to calculate a direct index of
hardness, the elasticity module, expressed in Kilopascals. In the end the
device delivers a total numerical score derived as the median from many
measurements, covering a rather large volume of the liver in this analysis,
which makes the results reliable in representing the liver as a whole. A very
large body of research has by now accumulated that shows the FibroScan
measurement as a reliable measurement device for liver fibrosis and in
particular to diagnose or exclude cirrhosis. It is internationally recognized,
as well as leading
UShepatologists acknowledged, for its value, and used
extensively worldwide.FirbroScan
awaits US FDA approval at this point in time (Jan 2010).
I have posted the results of my FibroScan tests at the bottom of this link,
along with my Trans-Jugular Liver Biopsy results. Every doctor is
familiar with the liver biopsy, but it is a painful and damaging technique.
The FibroScan is a new technology that can complement and may eventually
eliminate the need for most liver biopsies. At the beginning of treatment
for my Chronic Liver Disease, both testing methods confirmed that I had
advanced cirrhosis. But now, my FibroScan score is only slightly higher
than a normal, healthy, non-infected person.