Quick facts: painless · about 10 minutes · come after 3 hours without food · results explained the same day · ₹4,000 at both Hayat Hospital and Apollo Clinic, Ulubari.
What is a FibroScan?
A FibroScan (transient elastography) is a quick scan, done like an ultrasound, that measures two things in the liver:
- Stiffness, in kilopascals (kPa) — how much scarring (fibrosis) there is. A stiffer liver has more scarring.
- CAP, in dB/m — how much fat there is in the liver.
It often avoids the need for a liver biopsy, and it can be repeated to see whether treatment is working.
Who needs one?
- Fatty liver on ultrasound, especially with diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol
- Hepatitis B or hepatitis C
- Regular alcohol use
- Abnormal liver tests (LFT) without a clear cause
- Follow-up of known liver scarring or cirrhosis
How to prepare
- Do not eat for 3 hours before the scan. Water is fine.
- Wear clothing that lets you uncover the right side of your upper tummy.
- Tell us if you have a pacemaker or other implanted device, or if you are pregnant.
- Bring your recent liver tests and ultrasound reports.
You lie on your back with your right arm raised. A probe is placed between the ribs on the right side and gives a series of gentle taps. You feel a light flicking sensation, not pain.
Understanding the result
Results are always read together with your blood tests, the cause of liver disease and your examination. As a general guide for liver stiffness:
| Liver stiffness | What it usually suggests |
|---|---|
| Under 8 kPa | Significant scarring is unlikely |
| 8–12 kPa | Some scarring is possible; the result needs interpretation, sometimes further tests |
| 12–15 kPa | Advanced scarring is likely |
| Over 15 kPa | Cirrhosis is likely; an endoscopy to check for varices may be advised |
The cut-offs differ slightly between causes of liver disease. A higher CAP means more fat in the liver.
Readings can be falsely high after a recent meal, during a flare of hepatitis, with a blocked bile duct, with heart failure, or after heavy drinking. If the result does not fit the overall picture, it may be repeated.
Cost and where
| Item | Hayat Hospital | Apollo Clinic, Ulubari |
|---|---|---|
| FibroScan (stiffness and CAP) | ₹4,000 | ₹4,000 |
| Consultation (new or follow-up) | ₹1,000 | ₹1,000 |
Approximate charges as of November 2026, set by each hospital; the billing desk confirms the final amount. Cashless treatment through most insurers and TPAs is available at Hayat Hospital.
Common questions
Is FibroScan painful?
How long does a FibroScan take?
Do I need to fast for a FibroScan?
Can FibroScan replace a liver biopsy?
Is FibroScan better than ultrasound?
How often should FibroScan be repeated?
Related
Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mayank Agarwal, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Gastroenterology) · Assam Medical Council Reg. No. 19633 · Last reviewed:
This page gives general information about FibroScan and liver stiffness testing. It does not replace a consultation — the right tests and treatment depend on your own reports and health. Please do not start or stop any medicine without advice.
Based on:
- European Association for the Study of the Liver. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis — 2021 update. J Hepatol 2021;75:659–689.
- de Franchis R, et al. Baveno VII — Renewing consensus in portal hypertension. J Hepatol 2022;76:959–974.
- Rinella ME, et al. AASLD Practice Guidance on the clinical assessment and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatology 2023;77:1797–1835.