Fibroscan® probe selection for lean adults

Background and Aim Fibroscan® is used to assess fibrosis and steatosis of the liver noninvasively. The company suggests to use the S+-probe in people 75 cm and adults with a skin-liver capsule distance 75 cm in fasting state and after intake of a standardized light meal (300 kcal). Results We examined 50 volunteers (26 female, 24 ± 3 years). Twenty-two participants were in the TC ≤75 cm group and 28 in TC >75 cm group. LS values with the S+-probe were 15% higher than with the M+-probe in both groups (median difference 0.6 kPa, P < 0.001). Both probes showed good agreement with minimal bias (Spearman correlation r = 0.754, P < 0.001; Interclass Correlation Coefficient 0.843, P < 0.001; Bland-Altman bias 0.6 ± 0.9 kPa, linear regression r2 = 0.557, P < 0.001). Intake of a light meal had no relevant influence on LS (S+- and M+-probes) or CAP measurements (M+-probe) in both groups. Conclusion Lean adults with a TC below 75 cm can be assessed with either the S+-probe or the M+-probe and may take a light meal before assessment.