Early Detection of Cirrhosis Pilot
Parkway Medical Group are working in conjunction with the Freeman Hospital to detect cases of liver disease as early as possible, and we would like to offer you a scan.
Advanced liver disease (cirrhosis of the liver) can become serious if left untreated; therefore, detecting liver disease at an early stage is essential and leads to much better outcomes for those affected.
A FibroScan test will be carried out at the practice on behalf of the Hepatology department at the Freeman Hospital. The test is painless, much like an ultrasound and carried out in minutes.
People at greatest risk of developing liver disease are:
• Those who drink alcohol to excess.
• Those who are significantly overweight.
• Those with type 2 diabetes
• Those who have or have had viral hepatitis.
By detecting liver disease earlier, we can provide advice and support to prevent progression to the more advanced stages. Some patients that take part may require follow up at the Freeman hospital and this will be arranged following your scan.
If you have been invited to book an appointment for a scan, we have appointments available to book online. These will be weekly on a Thursday and will be clearly marked as "FIBROSCAN". If you have any problems making an appointment, please contact the surgery.
If you have been invited and have any questions regarding the test or the study, please contact Hepatology at the Freeman Hospital on 0191 223 1228. Please note, we will be unable to answer any questions regarding the study at the practice.
How to prepare for your FibroScan
To ensure your results are accurate, please come to your appointment having fasted for 3 hours prior. You can drink small amounts of water and take any medication as you would normally do; however no additional food or drink should be consumed within this time.
Following your scan, the FibroScan technician will inform you of your results, provide you with any lifestyle advice which you may require, and advise of any additional follow up which is needed. It is important to say that the technician is not a doctor or a nurse.
The scan can give one of 3 results:
• A negative result – this means that the scan has indicated you do not have liver scarring. You will be given appropriate lifestyle advice but no follow up will be arranged.
• An intermediate result – this means that the has indicated you likely have a mild liver scarring. You will be given appropriate lifestyle advice to prevent the progression of the scarring and offered a further scan in 2 years’ time.
• A positive result – this means that the scan has indicated you might have more advanced scarring of the liver. You will be given appropriate lifestyle advice and offered an appointment with the liver team at the Freeman hospital. This does not mean that you definitely have advanced scarring, but that you require further investigation.
Although the team at the GP practice are providing a location for the scan, they are not responsible for interpreting scans or arranging follow up appointments. If you have any questions following your scan, please contact the team at the Freeman hospital on 0191 223 1228.