Aa
FibroScans now available
Not a question, but just an update on the FibroScan technology in the US which is a non-invasive method to measure fibrosis staging (replacing the needle biopsy). In 2013 the FDA approved the FibroScan technology and in 2014 the AASLD endorsed the FibroScan technology. The FibroScan is technically called Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) and it measures liver stiffness that correlates with liver fibrosis staging. This new technology is replacing the needle biopsy and the advantages are that the procedure in non-invasive, painless, requires no hospitalization and all major insurance plans will soon cover two FibroScans per year. The scans are relatively inexpensive for those who are not covered - about $350 is the going rate. Private medical institutions have bought most of the machines but a couple independent private clinics have opened up in Phoenix and Los Angeles.
Regular live monitoring is very important for liver disease patients and the FibroScan technology will also save the health care systems money, because often behavior and activities that can exacerbate fibrogenesis (ie.: alcohol or pharmaceutical drug consumption, poor diet, etc.) can be modified or avoided with up-to-date information about the state of your liver health.
By the way, hi to all my old friends, I haven't posted in a while and I am doing quite well. Had a 4.7 FibroScan the other day, which correlates to Fibrosis stage 0-1. Ten years ago I was F3-F4, and when I had last posted I had done two fibroscans, but I had to wait four years before my next one while FibroScan applied for and received FDA approval. Still infected, genotype 1a and I'm waiting for Sovadi to come down on their prices - luckily I have time to wait.
Best regards!
Mike
Regular live monitoring is very important for liver disease patients and the FibroScan technology will also save the health care systems money, because often behavior and activities that can exacerbate fibrogenesis (ie.: alcohol or pharmaceutical drug consumption, poor diet, etc.) can be modified or avoided with up-to-date information about the state of your liver health.
By the way, hi to all my old friends, I haven't posted in a while and I am doing quite well. Had a 4.7 FibroScan the other day, which correlates to Fibrosis stage 0-1. Ten years ago I was F3-F4, and when I had last posted I had done two fibroscans, but I had to wait four years before my next one while FibroScan applied for and received FDA approval. Still infected, genotype 1a and I'm waiting for Sovadi to come down on their prices - luckily I have time to wait.
Best regards!
Mike
I well be checking this out for sure . Been stuck 3 times in my 30 years and said no more . Not an apptment Suggest 14 . First one in 5 years . Thanks for the info .
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