Private Fibroscan (Liver Elastography)​ in London

The FibroScan test is a crucial tool for physicians to assess the health of the liver. This non-invasive procedure helps in detecting various liver conditions. Key outcomes from the scan include:

Assessing liver stiffness, which can indicate disease.
Identifying liver scarring, a sign of chronic liver conditions.
Determining the degree of fibrosis, which shows the extent of liver damage.
Aiding in devising an appropriate treatment plan based on the findings.

Liver disease doesn’t always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, they may include:

• Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Swelling in the legs and ankles
• Itchy skin
• Dark urine colour
• Pale stool colour
• Chronic fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• A tendency to bruise easily

• Liver stiffness, which could indicate damage.
• Scarring or fibrosis of the liver.
• The presence of fatty liver disease.
• The severity of liver diseases like cirrhosis.
• Progress of liver conditions over time.
• Effectiveness of treatments for liver diseases.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor regarding potential liver issues:

1. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
2. Persistent fatigue or weakness.
3. Abdominal pain, especially in the upper right side.
4. Swelling in the abdomen or legs.
5. Dark urine.
6. Pale or tar-colored stool.
7. Chronic nausea or vomiting.
8. Loss of appetite or unexpected weight loss.
9. Itchy skin.
10. Easy bruising or bleeding.
    Additionally, if you have a history of liver disease in your family, consume a lot of alcohol, or have been exposed to hepatitis or harmful chemicals, it’s wise to discuss regular liver check-ups with your doctor.

Both liver ultrasound and liver FibroScan are non-invasive methods to study the liver, but they serve different purposes and provide different types of information:

1.Liver Ultrasound:

• Purpose: Mainly used to visualize the liver and assess its size, shape, and structure.
• Information Provided: Can identify tumors, cysts, abscesses, or any structural abnormalities in the liver. Also useful in guiding needle biopsies.
• Technique: Uses high-frequency sound waves that create an image of the liver and other organs in the abdomen.
• Duration: Usually takes around 20 minutes.

2. Liver FibroScan (Shear Wave Elastography):

• Purpose: Specifically designed to measure liver stiffness, which can indicate fibrosis or scarring.
• Information Provided: Gives an estimation of liver stiffness, which can correlate with the degree of liver fibrosis or scarring.
• The stiffer the liver tissue, the higher the degree of fibrosis.
• Technique: Uses a type of ultrasound to measure the speed at which an elastic shear wave propagates through the liver. This speed directly relates to tissue stiffness.
• Duration: Typically quicker than a standard ultrasound, often completed in 10-20 minutes.

In summary, while both tools utilize ultrasound technology, a standard liver ultrasound looks at the liver’s appearance, and a FibroScan evaluates its stiffness or elasticity. Depending on the clinical question or concern, a doctor might recommend one or both of these tests.

• Do NOT eat for 6 hours prior to examination time.
• Do NOT Drink any fizzy drinks.
• Do NOT Drink any sugary Drinks.
• Drink Still water as normal.
• Medication can be taken as normal.
• If Diabetic, please stick to your normal routine.

During your liver scan:

1. You’ll lie down on an exam table with your right arm raised behind your head.
2. The technician will identify the best spot on your belly for the scan.
3. A probe is placed on this spot and activated.
4. The probe sends sound waves through your skin to your liver, which then bounce back. This might feel like a light tap on your skin, but it’s painless.
5. The scanner calculates how long the sound waves take to return.
6. This process is done multiple times (at least 10) to get accurate results.
7. The scanner then determines the average time, giving an indication of liver stiffness.

The entire process is done in a screening room and usually takes between 10 to 20 minutes. It’s a straightforward and non-invasive way to assess your liver’s health.

As soon as the FibroScan® is finished you will be able to leave.

You will receive your results verbally after the scan. However, the Sonographer will examine the relevant images after your appointment and prepare a written report after your scan or within 24 hours with any recommended actions. The report will be sent to you so that you can discuss the findings with your doctor, if required.