NAFDL/NASH
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFDL) is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a type of NAFLD. If you have NASH, you have inflammation and liver cell damage. This can lead to scarring in the liver known as fibrosis. It is important to fully understand your liver health in order to properly diagnose and treat NASH.
Advances in drug treatment are essential to treating this disease and preventing further liver damage. If you have a suspected diagnosis of NASH, you may be interested in participating in one of our studies. Contact us to see if you qualify. We also offer FREE liver screenings called FibroScan®. They are absolutely free to you and no insurance is needed in order to participate.
What is FibroScan®?
A FibroScan® examination is a non-invasive way to measure the stiffness of your liver. The literature shows a direct correlation between liver stiffness and liver fibrosis (scarring). Liver scarring reflects progressive damage and defines an increased risk for cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and need for a liver transplant.
FibroScan® works by emitting a small pulse of energy, called a shear wave, which will feel like a slight tap on your skin. The measured speed by which the shear wave is transmitted through the liver reflects liver stiffness and this correlates with liver fibrosis.
It is recommended that patients with implantable electronic devices (such as a pacemaker and/or implantable defibrillator), or patients who are or may be pregnant, not undergo the FibroScan® procedure.
Is it painful?
The FibroScan® examination is painless, quick, and easy. During measurement, you will feel a slight vibration on the skin at the tip of the probe.
What will the FibroScan® examination be like?
You will lay on your back, with your right leg crossed over your left leg and with your right arm raised behind your head. This is to allow easy exposure to the intercostal spaces (spaces between your ribs) for the probe to effectively scan your liver. Your healthcare provider will apply a water based gel to the skin and then place the probe on the right side of your ribcage. Your healthcare provider will quickly produce 10 measurements during the FibroScan® examination. These measurements will be used to establish an overall stiffness score.
This test is being offered as a free service to providers and their patients.
Please contact our FibroScan® coordinators, Faith Mwangi or Mahlet Atnafu at your earliest convenience to schedule your recommended test at 240-343-0785.