A new portable scanner, described as a “suitcase-sized” device, is now being used to detect liver damage in patients at an early stage.
This innovative approach, being used ay Northwick Park Hospital, allows for same-day results, significantly speeding up the diagnosis process compared to traditional methods.
Jayshri Shah, the hepatology lead for the trust, noted the importance of this advancement, highlighting the dangers of liver disease.
“Liver disease is the ‘silent killer,’” she stated, noting that patients often exhibit no symptoms until the disease has reached a critical stage.
The portable device, known as a fibroscan, is particularly valuable in detecting early signs of liver damage. Unlike traditional ultrasound elastography, which typically takes eight weeks from referral to results, the fibroscan provides immediate feedback. This efficiency has been a game-changer for the trust’s hepatology service.
As part of this new initiative, the hepatology department has acquired two fibroscans and trained its own staff to operate them, eliminating the need for a radiologist. This move has not only saved time but also reduced costs.
Dr. Shah explained the impact of the new technology: “The portable fibroscan helps provide a one-stop liver clinic service for various liver conditions such as Hepatitis B, and metabolic steatotic liver disease.” The service now accommodates up to 40 patients a week, offering them immediate access to their results.
Since its launch earlier this year, the trust-wide service has completed more than 120 scans. This development is part of a broader effort to improve the hepatology service, which had faced challenges in the past due to the departure and retirement of several senior clinicians.
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