A normal score for liver elastography, typically measured in kilopascals (kPa), indicates minimal to no liver stiffness, suggesting a healthy liver. For 90–95% of healthy individuals without liver disease, a normal liver scarring measurement is less than 7.0 kPa. The median score observed in healthy populations is around 5.3 kPa.
Understanding Normal Liver Elastography Results
Liver elastography, often performed using a technique like FibroScan, is a non-invasive test that measures the stiffness of the liver. Liver stiffness is often an indicator of fibrosis (scarring), which can result from various liver conditions. A lower kPa value signifies a softer, healthier liver with little to no scarring.
Typical Normal Values
Here's a breakdown of what constitutes a normal range:
| Category | kPa Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Range (Healthy Individuals) | < 7.0 kPa | Indicates a very low likelihood of significant liver fibrosis. |
| Median Normal Score | 5.3 kPa | The typical mid-point score for healthy individuals. |
These scores suggest that the liver's elasticity is within expected parameters, indicating an absence of significant fibrotic changes.
What the Scores Indicate
- Low kPa scores (e.g., < 7.0 kPa): These are reassuring results, indicating a liver that is likely free from significant scarring. This is the goal for a healthy liver.
- Higher kPa scores: Scores above the normal range can suggest varying degrees of liver stiffness, potentially indicating fibrosis or cirrhosis, and often warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause and severity.
Important Considerations
While specific kPa values provide valuable insights, it's crucial to consider them within the broader clinical context.
- Clinical Correlation: Liver elastography results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional in conjunction with a patient's medical history, other blood tests, and imaging findings.
- Factors Affecting Results: Several factors can temporarily influence elastography readings, including recent meals, inflammation, or certain medications. For accurate readings, patients are often advised to fast for a few hours before the test.
- Purpose: This test is highly effective for screening and monitoring liver health, especially for those at risk of chronic liver diseases.
For more information on liver elastography, you can refer to reputable medical resources such as the Mayo Clinic's guide on FibroScan.
