This page provides general information for patients and referrers in Australia. It is not personal medical advice. Discuss your situation with your doctor, or contact Liver Screen if you have been referred to our clinic.
What is FibroScan?
FibroScan (transient elastography) uses a gentle pulse of vibration and ultrasound to measure how stiff your liver is. Stiffer results can suggest more scarring. Many machines also estimate how much fat is in the liver (controlled attenuation parameter, or CAP).
It is not a test for liver cancer. Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) usually relies on ultrasound every six months, sometimes with an AFP blood test. See our HCC screening page.
What to expect
- The scan itself usually takes about 10–15 minutes.
- You lie on your back with your right arm raised while a probe is placed on the skin over the liver.
- You may feel a light thump with each measurement. It should not hurt.
- No needles, contrast dye, or recovery time.
How to prepare
Fasting for a few hours before the scan often improves measurement quality. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the right upper abdomen. Bring your referral and any recent blood results or imaging reports if you have them.
Exact fasting instructions will be confirmed when you book. If you have questions about medicines or diabetes management while fasting, ask your GP or our clinic before the appointment.
Understanding results
Results are reported as liver stiffness (often in kilopascals, kPa) and, when available, a CAP score for liver fat. Higher stiffness generally suggests more fibrosis. Cut-offs vary by the cause of liver disease, so your specialist interprets the number in context — alongside blood tests, ultrasound, and your clinical history.
FibroScan helps guide monitoring and treatment decisions. It does not replace specialist review when cirrhosis or complications are suspected.
Appointments and bulk billing
FibroScan appointments are available at our Footscray clinic. With a valid referral from your doctor, the scan is eligible for Medicare bulk billing. Without a referral, private consultation fees apply.
Clinical partners
For GPs and referrers
Consider FibroScan when assessing fibrosis risk in chronic viral hepatitis, metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD), alcohol-related liver disease, or unexplained LFT abnormalities.
Referral checklist
- Named referral to Liver Screen / FibroScan.
- Indication and relevant liver history.
- Recent LFTs, FBC, coagulation if available.
- Viral serology (HBsAg, HCV Ab) and viral loads when known.
- BMI, alcohol history, and diabetes status where relevant.
- Prior imaging reports; note any ascites or known cirrhosis.
Patients should bring the referral on the day for Medicare bulk billing. Email referrals to the clinic via our contact page.