Your FibroScan Results Explained: A Patient Guide
Plain-English guide for patients who've received FibroScan results — kPa, CAP score, IQR ratio, what the numbers mean, and what to ask your doctor next.
If you've recently had a FibroScan or similar liver elastography test, your report likely contains three numbers: a kPa value, a CAP (or UAP) score, and an IQR ratio. This guide explains what each one means in plain English — without diagnosing or replacing the conversation you should have with your doctor.
The kPa number — liver stiffness
kPa stands for kilopascals, the unit used to measure liver stiffness. A stiffer liver typically reflects more scarring (fibrosis). The general guide for patients with metabolic fatty liver disease (MAFLD): below 8 kPa is reassuring, 8–12 kPa is intermediate and usually triggers further review, and above 12 kPa suggests significant fibrosis warranting specialist input.
These thresholds are different for hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Always interpret your number with the clinician who ordered the test, and against your specific reason for being tested.
The CAP or UAP score — liver fat
CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter, used by FibroScan) and UAP (Ultrasound Attenuation Parameter, used by iLivTouch) are different measurements of how much fat is in your liver, both reported in dB/m.
Both produce a fat grade from S0 (no significant fat) through to S3 (severe steatosis). The raw dB/m numbers are not directly comparable between FibroScan and iLivTouch — but the grade (S0–S3) is. If you switch device for follow-up scans, track the grade rather than the number.
The IQR ratio — was your result reliable?
The IQR/M ratio tells you how consistent the individual measurements were. An IQR/M ≤30% indicates a reliable result. Above 30% means the measurements varied too much to be confident in the average.
Unreliable results are more common in patients with higher BMI, after eating (best to scan fasted), or with patient movement during acquisition. If your IQR/M was high, ask whether a repeat scan — ideally with a guided system that can adjust for body habitus — might give a more confident answer.
What to ask your doctor
Three useful questions: (1) What does my kPa mean for my specific condition? (2) Was my result reliable based on the IQR ratio? (3) What's the next step — repeat in 12 months, lifestyle review, or specialist referral?
If you have a FibroScan CAP score around 300 dB/m, that's in the S2–S3 range (moderate-to-severe steatosis). It's not liver failure. It usually means active lifestyle management, addressing any metabolic risk factors, and follow-up monitoring.