LIVER FIBROSCAN

liver fibroscan

Liver Fibroscan Service

Liver disease is any disturbance of liver function that causes illness. The liver is responsible for many critical functions within the body and should be depressed or injured, the loss of those functions can cause significant damage to the body. Liver disease is also referred to as a hepatic disease.

Liver disease is a broad term that covers all the potential problems that case the liver to fail to perform its designated functions. Usually more than 75% of three quarters of liver tissue needs to be affected before a decrease in function occurs.

Mid Hampshire Healthcare have been commissioned by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board (ICB) to deliver a Liver Fibroscan diagnostic service from April 2019.

The aim of this service is to identify patients who are at risk of developing Liver Disease. By detecting the signs and symptoms at an early stage, reduces the risk of developing Chronic Liver Disease in the future.

During the appointment, the Nurse or Healthcare Assistant will scan the liver with a Fibroscan machine, this is a non-invasive test that has high sensitivity for identifying patients with liver scarring (fibrosis) as well as providing real time results.

After analysing the results, patient’s will be offered preventative measures such as, lifestyle advice, guidance, and information on local support to self-manage.

Some may be referred on for further investigations to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital Gastroenterology team.

Service Eligibility

All patients aged between 16 - 85 years.

A raised liver function blood test.

Any patient with a BMI of over 35.

Patients who are consuming in excess of >50 units per week for men and >35 units per week for women.

A diagnosis of diabetes (type 1 and type 2).

Taking the medication Methotrexate.

Service exclusion

Patients outside of the Mid Hampshire locality

Patients under 16 years old

Patients on a palliative care register