What We Check
Two measurements. Ten minutes. A clear picture of your liver health.
Measured in dB/m
Liver Fat (CAP Score)
How much fat is in your liver?
The CAP score (Controlled Attenuation Parameter) CAP provides a semiquantitative estimate of liver fat. It does not precisely measure the percentage of fat in the liver. Fat accumulation — called steatosis — is the first stage of metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).
A higher CAP score indicates more fat. Results are classified as S0 (no significant fat), S1 (mild), S2 (moderate), or S3 (severe steatosis).
In our Toronto pilot, 68% of participants had a CAP score of 248 dB/m or higher, indicating at least mild liver steatosis. Most people had no idea.
Commonly used reference ranges
Measured in kPa
Liver Stiffness (Fibrosis)
How much scarring is in your liver?
Liver stiffness is measured in kilopascals (kPa) and is used to estimate the likelihood of liver fibrosis, or scar tissue. In general, higher liver stiffness may indicate more fibrosis. However, liver stiffness can also be affected by inflammation, recent food intake and other clinical factors.
A liver-stiffness measurement cannot determine an exact F0–F4 fibrosis stage by itself.
In our Toronto pilot, 11.4% of participants had liver stiffness of 8.0 kPa or higher, a threshold at which we recommend follow-up with a healthcare professional.
Commonly used reference ranges
Why these measurements matter
Liver fat and liver stiffness together give a complete picture of where you are on the spectrum of liver disease — from early, reversible fat accumulation all the way to advanced fibrosis.
Knowing your scores early is what makes a difference. In the early stages, fatty liver disease is often fully reversible with lifestyle changes. Once significant fibrosis develops, the goal shifts to slowing progression and preventing cirrhosis.
The FibroScan gives you and your doctor the information needed to act — before symptoms appear.
What the assessment can and cannot tell you
What it can tell you
- Measure the amount of fat in your liver
- Measure the degree of liver stiffness (fibrosis)
- Identify whether follow-up with a physician is warranted
- Provide a baseline for monitoring your liver health over time
What it cannot tell you
- Diagnose a specific liver disease — that requires clinical evaluation
- Replace a liver biopsy in all clinical contexts
- Detect liver cancer or other structural abnormalities
- Provide a complete medical diagnosis
What happens if something concerning is found?
If your liver fat or stiffness scores are elevated, your clinician will explain what the results mean in plain language and recommend that you follow up with your primary care physician or a specialist.
You will receive a printed summary of your results to bring to your doctor. Your clinician can also help you understand what questions to ask at that appointment.
The Liver Health Awareness Center does not provide ongoing medical care, but we can connect you with resources and community health partners who can help.