The most common risk factors for liver disease include drinking too much alcohol, being overweight or having diabetes. 

However, there is a wide range of other conditions which can affect the liver including autimmune disorders(where the immune system becomes overactive), long term viral infections, reactions to medications and some genetic conditions.

FibroScan uses a technology called VCTE (Vibration Controlled Transient Elastography) to measure the stiffness of the liver. This gives an accurate guide to the amount of fibrosis (scar tissue) present.

You simply lie on a couch and the FibroScan probe is held over your liver while a series of readings are taken. The process is non-invasive, painless and takes around 10 minutes. The results are instantly available.

One of the difficulties with liver disease is that most people experience very few symptoms or physical signs until at an advanced stage.

If the liver is damaged by any condition, there can be a gradual build up of fibrosis (scar tissue) over many years, eventually leading to cirrhosis and liver failure if unchecked.

Basic blood tests can give some indication of liver problems. However,  the most common laboratory blood tests such as liver enzymes (“LFTs”) can be normal even in cirrhosis.

FibroScan has been validated against liver biopsy as a highly accurate method of assessing fibrosis. In particular, it has a very high "negative predictive value" which means it is especially useful in ruling out advanced liver disease.

In the UK, the government's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)  and Public Health England have endorsed FibroScan for detecting fibrosis in people at risk of liver disease.

We usually advise avoiding food for 3 hours before the scan as changes in gut blood flow can affect the results.

If you have already had any relevant blood tests or scans arranged by your GP it is very helpful to bring the results with you if possible.

Our specialist consultant hepatologist will take a full medical history with particular attention to risk factors for liver disease. A routine physical examination is carried out to look for signs of liver problems or for other conditions that could affect the FibroScan result. 

The FibroScan itself is non-invasive and painless, taking around 10 minutes to perform. The results are available immediately and will be discussed with you.

A FibroScan package is offered as part of a 30 minute consultation with a specialist consultant hepatologist. This allows us to carry out a comprehensive assessment, personalised to your specific health needs. The fully inclusive, fixed cost for the consultation with FibroScan is £400.

If, for clinical reasons, a FibroScan is not required the consultation fee is £220.

We accept major credit and debit cards.

If you are planning to use private medical insurance, please check with your insurer that they will cover the costs in full. Most insurance companies will usually require a referral from your GP. 

We are happy to see self-paying patients without a referral.

It's easy. Just call our secretary Julie Bowles on 07593578331. Alternatively, complete the enquiry form on this website or email us on info@liverport.com with your contact details and we'll be in touch.

Generally, it's a good idea to have a referral from your GP, as they will know your medical history, but we can still see you without a referral.

No problem!

Please just call Julie Bowles on 07593 578331 or email us on  info@liverport.com

Alternatively, you can call Spire Hospital Outpatients Reception on 023 9245 6000

Cancellation charges:

There are no cancellation charges if you give us at least 24 hours notice.

Because we have fixed costs to cover, either cancelling on the day or non-attendance will incur a charge of 50% of the consultation fee.

Please note that private medical insurers are unlikely to reimburse charges for missed appointments.

By making an appointment with us, you are signalling your acceptance of these conditions.