Top Reasons Your Doctor Might Recommend a FibroScan Exam
Your liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs more than 500 vital functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, storing energy, aiding digestion, and regulating chemical levels. However, liver disease is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it typically presents no symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
As liver conditions become more prevalent globally, including in the UK, the need for effective screening methods has become increasingly urgent. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes, and one of the most advanced diagnostic tools available today is FibroScan.
This non-invasive method allows healthcare professionals to assess liver health with precision and ease, offering an alternative to traditional liver biopsy. FibroScan is now considered a key component in managing liver-related conditions and guiding treatment plans.
What is a FibroScan Exam?
FibroScan, also known as transient elastography, is a cutting-edge, non-invasive test designed to assess the stiffness and fat content of the liver. It uses advanced ultrasound technology to measure the speed of a vibration wave that travels through the liver tissue.
The faster the wave travels, the stiffer the liver. Increased stiffness can indicate fibrosis (scarring) or cirrhosis, both of which can result from long-term liver damage. FibroScan also provides a Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP) score, which measures liver fat levels, helping to identify conditions such as fatty liver disease.
Unlike traditional liver biopsies, which involve inserting a needle into the liver to extract tissue, FibroScan is entirely non-invasive. It’s quick, painless, and requires no recovery time, making it an ideal choice for both initial diagnosis and ongoing monitoring.
Top Reasons Your Doctor Might Recommend a FibroScan
- Diagnosing Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis
FibroScan is frequently recommended when a doctor suspects the presence of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. These conditions can develop over time due to chronic liver disease and may remain undetected until they cause significant damage.
FibroScan provides a fast and accurate measurement of liver stiffness, helping to confirm or rule out the presence of scarring without invasive procedures. This can guide further diagnostic decisions and enable early intervention, potentially slowing disease progression.
- Monitoring Chronic Liver Diseases
Individuals living with chronic liver conditions, such as hepatitis B or C, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), often require ongoing assessment of liver health. FibroScan is particularly valuable in these cases because it allows clinicians to monitor disease progression or regression over time.
By providing consistent, repeatable measurements, FibroScan makes it easier to evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes, medication, or other interventions, enabling a more tailored and effective treatment plan.
- Assessing Risk Factors
Your doctor may recommend a FibroScan if you have risk factors associated with liver disease. These include obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Even in the absence of symptoms, individuals with these risk factors may have early-stage liver damage. FibroScan allows for proactive screening, helping to identify potential issues before they become severe and supporting preventive healthcare.
- Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness
For patients undergoing treatment for liver-related conditions, regular FibroScan assessments can offer crucial insights into how well the treatment is working.
By tracking changes in liver stiffness and fat content, doctors can determine whether a particular intervention is slowing or reversing disease progression. This real-time feedback is invaluable for making timely adjustments to treatment plans.
- Routine Screening for At-Risk Individuals
In some cases, your doctor may recommend a FibroScan as part of routine health screenings, especially if you fall into a high-risk group.
Routine use of FibroScan can help detect early signs of liver damage, enabling lifestyle adjustments or early interventions that can preserve liver function and improve long-term outcomes.
Benefits of FibroScan Over Traditional Methods FibroScan offers numerous advantages over traditional diagnostic techniques such as liver biopsy:
- Non-invasive and Painless: There is no need for needles, anaesthesia, or incisions. The procedure is as simple as a standard ultrasound.
- Quick Results: Most tests are completed in under 10 minutes, with immediate or same-day results available.
- No Downtime: Since the procedure is non-surgical, patients can return to their daily activities straight away.
- Greater Patient Comfort: FibroScan is ideal for regular monitoring, eliminating the need for repeated invasive procedures and reducing patient anxiety.
These features make FibroScan an excellent choice for both patients and clinicians, promoting early detection and better disease management.
FibroScan at UME Health
UME Health, located on London’s prestigious Harley Street, now offers state-of-the-art FibroScan liver assessments. With a reputation for excellence in diagnostics and patient care, UME Health ensures a seamless and supportive experience from booking to results.
Appointments can be scheduled quickly, and the process is designed to be efficient and stress-free. The clinic’s focus on comfort and clarity means patients receive not only accurate diagnostic data but also expert interpretation and guidance on next steps.
Expertise of Professor Patrick Kennedy
The FibroScan service at UME Health is led by Professor Patrick Kennedy, a renowned consultant hepatologist with extensive experience in liver medicine. Professor Kennedy holds a prominent academic and clinical role, and his expertise guarantees that each assessment is interpreted with a high degree of accuracy and clinical insight.
His leadership assures patients that they are receiving world-class care based on the latest research and best practices in hepatology. Whether you are coming in for routine screening or complex disease management, you can trust that you are in capable hands.
Liver health is often overlooked until serious problems arise. However, with accessible tools like FibroScan, patients and doctors now have the means to identify and manage liver issues earlier and more effectively.
Whether you are living with a chronic condition, have known risk factors, or simply want to take a proactive approach to your health, a FibroScan can offer essential insights with minimal inconvenience.
UME Health provides a professional, patient-focused environment where you can receive expert liver assessment guided by top-tier specialists like Professor Patrick Kennedy. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, take control of your liver health today.
Frequently Asked Questions about FibroScan at UME Health
1. Where can I get a FibroScan in Central London?
UME Health offers advanced FibroScan liver assessments at our state-of-the-art clinic located on Harley Street, London. Our central location makes it easy to access expert care in one of the UK’s most prestigious medical districts.
2. Is a referral required to book a FibroScan at UME Health?
No GP referral is necessary. You can book a FibroScan appointment directly with UME Health, whether you are managing a chronic condition, have risk factors, or are simply seeking a routine liver check-up.
3. How long does a FibroScan appointment take at your Harley Street clinic?
The entire process usually takes less than 30 minutes, with the scan itself lasting about 10 minutes. At UME Health, we aim to keep wait times minimal while providing a smooth, stress-free experience.
4. Who performs the FibroScan at UME Health?
Your scan will be reviewed and interpreted by Professor Patrick Kennedy, a leading hepatologist with international recognition in liver medicine. His clinical expertise ensures your results are accurate and actionable.
5. What conditions can a FibroScan detect?
FibroScan helps detect and monitor conditions such as liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. It’s particularly useful for those with hepatitis B or C, NAFLD, NASH, or alcohol-related liver concerns.
6. Can I get a same-day FibroScan appointment in London?
UME Health offers flexible scheduling and often has same-day or next-day appointments available. Contact our Harley Street clinic to check current availability.
7. Is FibroScan covered by private health insurance in the UK?
Many private health insurers do cover FibroScan, especially when recommended by a specialist. UME Health works with most major insurance providers, please contact us to verify your cover.
8. What makes UME Health’s FibroScan service different?
In addition to cutting-edge equipment and a convenient London location, UME Health offers personalised care led by an expert hepatologist. We combine efficient diagnostics with specialist insights and tailored aftercare.
9. Is FibroScan suitable for regular liver health monitoring?
Yes, FibroScan is ideal for ongoing monitoring of liver health due to its non-invasive nature and repeatable accuracy. At UME Health, we can track changes over time to help you and your doctor adjust treatment or lifestyle as needed.
10. How do I book a FibroScan with UME Health?
You can book directly via our website or by calling our Harley Street clinic. Our team will guide you through the simple booking process and answer any questions you may have.
References
- UME Health. (2024). FibroScan Liver Health Assessment. Retrieved from https://umehealth.co.uk/fibroscan-liver-health-assessment/
- EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines. (2021). Non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis. Journal of Hepatology.
- NICE. (2022). Liver disease: assessment and management of cirrhosis and fibrosis. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
