Understanding FibroScan Results: kPa and CAP

This guide explains common terms used in transient elastography (FibroScan) and how to read your report.

Key Terms

• kPa (kilopascals) — Estimated liver stiffness. Higher usually means more fibrosis.
• CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter) — Estimate of liver fat (steatosis), in dB/m.
• IQR/median — Reliability indicator: lower is better, aim for < 30%.

Typical Ranges

Cut-offs vary by disease etiology and device. As a rough guide (non-cirrhotic viral/metabolic):

• F0–F1: ~2–7 kPa
• F2: ~7–9.5 kPa
• F3: ~9.5–12.5 kPa
• F4: > 12.5 kPa

CAP: 200–400 dB/m ranges roughly correlate with S0–S3 steatosis categories.

Important Caveats

• Inflammation, congestion, cholestasis, and recent meals can transiently elevate kPa.
• Obesity and diabetes can reduce measurement reliability; XL probe may be recommended.
• Always interpret in clinical context with labs and imaging.

Reliability Checks

• >= 10 valid measurements
• Success rate > 60%
• IQR/median < 30% (ideally < 20%)

What FibroAI Adds

FibroAI standardizes report language, contextualizes kPa/CAP by etiology, and provides clinician-ready narratives and patient-friendly summaries.