Question 1

What makes Elastography Australia different from FibroScan?

Accepted Answer

We supply advanced elastography systems that use real-time 2D ultrasound imaging to guide every measurement. Most deployed FibroScan systems (for example 502 Touch, 530 Compact) rely on transient elastography without B-mode imaging; the FibroScan 630 Expert line adds embedded ultrasound for localization. This guided approach helps operators see where they are measuring, avoid vessels, and target the liver—especially when body habitus makes blind acquisition harder.

Question 2

What measurements do supplied systems provide?

Accepted Answer

Systems supplied through Elastography Australia provide three key outputs: Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) in kPa for fibrosis assessment, Ultrasound Attenuation Parameter (UAP) in dB/m for steatosis assessment, and real-time B-mode imaging for visual guidance and documentation.

Question 3

What is the accuracy of Elastography Australia?

Accepted Answer

Published literature reports a range of AUROC values depending on fibrosis threshold and cohort: for significant fibrosis (≥F2), figures around 0.71–0.89 appear across studies, while values near 0.95 align with advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis (≥F3–F4) in several reports—not with ≥F2 alone. A large NAFLD FibroTouch cohort reported about 96.5% measurement success. No elastography device is unaffected by obesity, narrow intercostal spaces, or ascites. Versus FibroScan, high-BMI comparisons should name the probe (M vs XL), because the XL probe was developed to improve reliability in heavier patients.

Question 4

Do supplied systems require multiple probes?

Accepted Answer

No. We supply systems with a single universal probe that works across all patient types, including those with high BMI. Traditional devices often require multiple probes (standard and XL) purchased separately at additional cost.

Question 5

How long does a scan take?

Accepted Answer

A typical examination on supplied hardware takes approximately 2 minutes from start to finish. Comparative trial data often cites shorter median acquisition times than conventional FibroScan workflows; exact times depend on operator experience and patient factors.

Question 6

How much does Elastography Australia cost?

Accepted Answer

Indicative pricing is typically in the ~$80,000–$90,000 AUD range for a complete system — modestly below many new FibroScan capital quotes (~$100,000+) and usually with a simpler probe and service footprint. Exact quotes vary; a proposal typically includes the device, universal probe, training, and standard warranty.

Question 7

What is the typical ROI timeline?

Accepted Answer

Many practices see a return on investment within roughly 12–18 months, depending on scan volume, fee setting, and how much of the appointment can be billed under eligible ultrasound items. Moderate volumes can still justify acquisition when failed-scan rates and workflow efficiency are accounted for.

Question 8

Are there ongoing costs?

Accepted Answer

Operating costs are minimal—primarily staff time (typically 10-15 minutes including patient preparation) and standard equipment maintenance. There are no per-scan consumables required.

Question 9

What warranty is included?

Accepted Answer

Supplied systems include a comprehensive 2-year warranty covering parts and labour. Extended warranty options are available for practices wanting longer coverage.

Question 10

How long does training take?

Accepted Answer

Because of the visual guidance system, most operators become proficient within 1-2 days of hands-on training. This is significantly faster than blind devices which can require weeks of practice to master.

Question 11

What training is included?

Accepted Answer

We provide comprehensive on-site training for your clinical staff, covering device operation, optimal technique, result interpretation, and troubleshooting. Online refresher resources are also available.

Question 12

Is ongoing support available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We provide technical support via phone and email, with remote diagnostics capability. Field service engineers are available for on-site support when needed.

Question 13

Is Elastography Australia FDA cleared?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The elastography platforms we supply hold FDA 510(k) clearance for liver stiffness measurement, confirming safety and efficacy for clinical use.

Question 14

Is Elastography Australia CE marked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Devices supplied through Elastography Australia carry CE marking for the European market, indicating compliance with EU medical device regulations.

Question 15

What is the TGA status for Australia?

Accepted Answer

TGA registration for the Australian market is currently in progress. We expect approval soon and will announce availability for Australian practices as soon as registration is complete.

Question 16

Can I bill Medicare for liver elastography?

Accepted Answer

Yes. MBS item number 55292 covers liver elastography performed in appropriate clinical settings. Rebates apply for both GP and specialist settings, making it a viable revenue stream for practices.

Question 17

What clinical guidelines support liver elastography?

Accepted Answer

Multiple guidelines recommend liver elastography, including EASL (European Association for the Study of the Liver), AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases), and Australian guidelines for MAFLD management. It's increasingly considered standard of care for liver fibrosis assessment.

Question 18

What space is required?

Accepted Answer

Supplied systems are portable and do not require a dedicated room. They can be used in a standard examination room and stored on a small cart or shelf when not in use.

Question 19

What patients are suitable for liver elastography?

Accepted Answer

Liver elastography is suitable for patients with risk factors for liver disease, including obesity/metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, elevated liver enzymes, viral hepatitis (HBV/HCV), excessive alcohol consumption, and patients on hepatotoxic medications.

Question 20

Are there contraindications?

Accepted Answer

Active implantable devices (pacemakers, defibrillators) in the measurement path, pregnancy, and significant ascites are relative contraindications. The visual guidance helps identify ascites that may not be apparent clinically.

Question 21

Can Elastography Australia integrate with our existing systems?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Supplied systems support DICOM export, HL7 integration, and can connect to your existing PACS/RIS systems. Reports can also be exported as PDFs for manual integration.

Question 22

Can liver elastography detect cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Liver elastography is one of the most reliable non-invasive tests for detecting cirrhosis (F4 fibrosis). A liver stiffness measurement above approximately 12–15 kPa (threshold varies by disease aetiology and the guideline used) is considered consistent with cirrhosis. Elastography cannot replace biopsy for definitive staging in all cases, but it is the guideline-recommended first-line tool for cirrhosis assessment in MAFLD, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

Question 23

Can liver elastography detect cancer?

Accepted Answer

Liver elastography measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis — it is not a cancer screening tool. However, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis detected by elastography are major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Identifying cirrhosis early enables appropriate HCC surveillance (typically 6-monthly ultrasound). If a lesion is detected during the B-mode imaging component of guided elastography, it would prompt further investigation, but the test is not designed or validated as a cancer diagnostic.

Question 24

Can liver elastography detect fatty liver?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Guided elastography systems including the iLivTouch measure both liver stiffness (fibrosis, in kPa) and liver fat content (steatosis) using an ultrasound attenuation parameter (UAP, in dB/m). The steatosis measurement classifies fat accumulation from S0 (normal, <5%) to S3 (severe, >67%). Standard FibroScan also measures steatosis using its Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP). Both methods are non-invasive and produce results in a single 2-minute examination.

Question 25

Why would a doctor order a liver elastography?

Accepted Answer

A doctor orders liver elastography to assess liver stiffness — a proxy for the degree of liver scarring (fibrosis). Common reasons include: staging MAFLD in patients with obesity or type 2 diabetes; monitoring hepatitis B or C treatment response; confirming or excluding cirrhosis before starting certain medications; and following up an indeterminate FIB-4 blood test result. Elastography avoids the need for a liver biopsy in most cases.

Question 26

How accurate is a liver elastography test?

Accepted Answer

Liver elastography is highly accurate for detecting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis (F3–F4), with AUROC values of approximately 0.89–0.95 in published studies for these stages. Accuracy is lower for distinguishing between early fibrosis stages (F1 vs F2). Guided systems that use real-time 2D imaging to position the probe achieve higher acquisition success rates — particularly in obese patients — which directly affects how reliable the final result is. All elastography results should be interpreted alongside clinical context and blood tests.

Question 27

What are the four warning signs of a damaged liver?

Accepted Answer

The most common early signs of liver disease include: persistent fatigue and general weakness; unexplained nausea or loss of appetite; pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen; and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes). However, liver disease — including significant fibrosis — is often completely asymptomatic until late stages. Many patients with MAFLD, hepatitis B, or significant fibrosis have no symptoms at all, which is why routine liver health checks using blood tests and elastography are important.

Question 28

How long does a liver elastography test last?

Accepted Answer

A guided liver elastography scan typically takes approximately 2 minutes for the actual measurement, with the total clinic appointment (including preparation, positioning, and reporting) usually completed within 15–20 minutes. Results are available immediately. There is no fasting or bowel preparation required, and no recovery time.

Question 29

Can liver failure be reversed?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the stage and cause. Early to moderate fibrosis (F1–F3) can improve or reverse with effective treatment of the underlying cause — successful hepatitis C treatment, alcohol cessation, significant weight loss, or improved diabetes control can all lead to measurable fibrosis regression on elastography. Established cirrhosis (F4) is much harder to reverse and requires specialist management to prevent progression. This is why early detection matters: liver fibrosis identified at F1 or F2 has a far better prognosis than cirrhosis.

Question 30

How much does a liver elastography test cost in Australia?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a liver elastography scan in Australia varies by clinic and setting. Private clinic fees typically range from $120 to $200 AUD per scan, with many clinics charging approximately $150. If you are eligible for MBS item 55292 (transient elastography), a Medicare rebate may apply — verify current eligibility and rebate amounts with your clinic or at mbsonline.gov.au. Some GP practices offering bulk billing may charge no out-of-pocket cost for eligible patients.

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