Liver Health – FibroScan Cost In Singapore

People wondering about FibroScan cost in Singapore may be those who have been warned by their GP about the possibility of developing liver fibrosis or even liver cirrhosis following a liver health screening. These are conditions whereby the liver has suffered some injury. FibroScan is one of the diagnostic imaging techniques used to ascertain the degree of damage to a patient’s liver.

What Are Liver Fibrosis And Liver Cirrhosis?

Liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis are progressive diseases of the liver.  Liver fibrosis is the result of repeated or chronic injury to the liver tissue, resulting in the formation of scar tissue over time. Liver cirrhosis, on the other hand, usually refers to a late-stage disease whereby the scarring of the liver has become severe and extensive. Fatty liver, or steatosis, is a common condition in Singapore and is one of the possible causes of cirrhosis. This may happen if fatty liver causes the liver to become inflamed and the liver sustains injury or damage over time.

There are two clinical stages of cirrhosis:

• Compensated cirrhosis. In the compensated phase, patients may not see any symptoms as the remaining healthy liver cells are still able to meet the body’s metabolic needs. 
• Decompensated cirrhosis. In this phase, liver function is compromised by the degree of injury and the remaining healthy cells are unable to fully maintain the proper function of the liver. Symptoms that may present include jaundice, fatigue, weight loss, abdomen bloating, swollen legs, mental confusion & slurred speech, drowsiness, nausea, loss of appetite, and more.

What Is FibroScan?

FibroScan (or Transient Elastography) is a diagnostic imaging technique used to quantify liver fibrosis and measure liver stiffness. It is a non-invasive test that uses low-frequency elastic waves directed into the liver.

During FibroScan, a probe is on the patient’s abdomen, and a mechanical pulse passes through the liver to create an “elastic wave”. The velocity of the sound wave passing through the liver is measured and converted into a liver stiffness measurement. The process usually takes about 15—20 minutes.

The result of the FibroScan procedure can be available immediately. The results can range from “normal” to “advanced”:

• Normal — there is no scarring or only mild scarring of the liver.
• Moderate to severe — liver scarring that may be reversed or slowed down.
• Advanced — the liver fibrosis has advanced to cirrhosis.

FibroScan is an alternative to Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). MRE combines MRI techniques with vibrations directed at specific sites to produce images that allow the doctor to assess the areas of fibrosis or cirrhosis. Compared to MRE however, FibroScan is quicker and cheaper.

FibroScan Cost In Singapore

FibroScan cost In Singapore (for private sector clinics / hospitals) is about SGD $400.

Health365 Preferred Doctor – Dr Benjamin Yip

This article has been reviewed by Dr Benjamin Yip, Consultant Gastroenterologist and Hepatology at Alpha Digestive & Liver Centre (located at Mt Elizabeth Medical Centre, Orchard). Dr Benjamin Yip is a Health365 Preferred Doctor. Learn more about Dr Benjamin Yip on his Preferred Doctor page – is he the right gastroenterologist and hepatologist for you?

If you have concerns about your liver health, you can contact us for an appointment with Dr Yip via the button below.