Liver Health - FibroScan®

Fatty liver disease happens when fat builds up in the liver due to increasing body weight, and is often seen in people with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes; i.e. metabolic problems. Alcohol can also cause a very similar effect. Once fat makes up more than 10% of the liver, it is called fatty liver disease (also known as steatosis). Where fatty liver disease is not caused by alcohol consumption it is called metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously termed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Disease, NAFLD). 

Often referred to as a silent disease, studies indicate that approximately 30% of the adult population in most countries in Europe have MASLD/NAFLD.  Most people do not feel sick until they have significant liver disease.  If symptoms do occur, they tend to be non-specific such as fatigue, or an ache on the right sight just under the rib cage. 

Damage to the liver caused by fatty liver disease can often be reversed by early diagnosis and intervention.  If it is not diagnosed early, the liver can become damaged by scarring. 

The gold standard non-invasive solution for the diagnosis and management of liver health is FibroScan®. 

FibroScan® sends a pulse to the liver to measure how soft or hard the liver is; this is an excellent guide to determine whether there is significant liver damage (scarring or fibrosis) there or not.  The result gives the doctor important information about a patient’s livers health and will guide patients care. 

The following are some of the most common indications for FibroScan®:

• Abnormal Liver blood tests
• Fatty liver found on a scan
• Increased Alcohol Consumption
• Haemochromatosis
• Known Liver Disease (autoimmune liver disease, viral hepatitis)
• Alcohol Related Liver Disease
• Metabolism- associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD)
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Raised Cholesterol
• BMI > 30
• Medication use associated with liver damage (e.g. Methotrexate)
• Biliary Atresia
• Chronic Hepatitis B
• Chronic Hepatitis C
• Abnormal LFTs
• HIV/HCV Co-infection
• Transplant

Preparing for the examination 

• Patients fast completely for at least 3 hours before the examination and are required to avoid drinking water or other fluids
• Patients also need to wear / bring comfortable clothes with them that will allow access to the right side of their rib cage

What happens during the examination?

The examination is carried out by a trained operator (doctor, nurse or technician) 

• The patient lies on their back with their right arm above their head
• Gel is applied, and the probe is placed between the rib spaces

The examination typically takes 5 – 10 minutes to perform and is painless. Patients may feel a slight vibration from the probe as the measurements are taken.

Appointments

Appointments are by GP referral only.  If you are a patient and would like to have your liver health checked, please talk to your GP about a referral for a FibroScan® at Bon Secours Hospital Dublin. 

Referrals can be sent via Healthlink using the Bon Secours Hospital Dublin portal and selecting Direct Access endoscopy portal or by email to [email protected]   

Patients will be contacted directly to confirm an appointment. 

Fees

The scan fee costs €200.  

It is possible to claim some of the cost back against personal taxes at the end of the year. 

Results

A copy of the FibroScan® results is provided to the patient on the day. The result and images will then be reviewed by one of our expert team of liver specialist consultants (Hepatologists). They will review the result and give clear recommendations in a final report which will be forwarded to the referring GP or consultant. This may include the need for further investigation or specialist consultation, and whether the test should be repeated in the future and at what interval.

Appointments

Appointments are by GP referral only.  If you are a patient and would like to have your liver health checked, please talk to your GP about a referral for a FibroScan® at Bon Secours Hospital Limerick.

Referrals can be sent via Healthlink to Bon Secours Hospital Limerick for the attention of Dr Maeve Skelly, Gastroenterologist.

Patients will be contacted directly to confirm an appointment. 

Results

The FibroScan® result and images will then be reviewed by one of our expert team of liver specialist consultants (Hepatologists). They will review the result and give clear recommendations in a final report which will be forwarded to the referring GP or consultant. This may include the need for further investigation or specialist consultation, and whether the test should be repeated in the future and at what interval.

Appointments

Appointments are by GP referral only. If you are a patient and would like to have your liver health checked, please talk to your GP about a referral for a FibroScan® at Bon Secours Hospital Tralee. 

Referrals can be sent via Healthlink (similar to any other radiology exam request).

Patients will be contacted directly to confirm an appointment. 

Fees

A FibroScan examination costs €200. This includes the examination, review and reporting of the results with recommendations made to the referring doctor by our Consultant Hepatologist.

Results

The FibroScan® result and images will then be reviewed by one of our expert team of liver specialist consultants (Hepatologists). They will review the result and give clear recommendations in a final report which will be forwarded to the referring GP or consultant. This may include the need for further investigation or specialist consultation, and whether the test should be repeated in the future and at what interval.

Referrals for a FibroScan®

Referrals are accepted from GPs or Consultants.
GP referrals can be sent via Healthlink – select Clinic: FibroScan Liver.
Consultant referrals are accepted via FibroScan referral form – requested at Email: [email protected]
Patients will be contacted directly with an appointment.

FibroScan® Cost

Pricing starts at €200. It is not currently covered by insurance; however, it is advised to contact your insurer regarding any possible claim back.

Results

Findings will be reported on by a Consultant Gastroenterologist following review, with further follow-up advice provided. A results report will be sent to the ordering GP or Consultant.