Hi, I've posted asking this before, but unfortunately didn't get any response.
I'm wondering if anyone can tell me where I can get a private Fibroscan? I'm in the UK.
I have been referred to Hepatology due to the surgeon seeing "extensive fibrotic changes" of my liver during gallbladder surgery back in November. Unfortunately, my appointment isn't until May.
All my liver bloodiest (LFTs and antibody tests) came back normal, which is great, but obviously doesn't tell me what is actually going on.
I'd like to get a fibroscan done to give me an idea of how bad the damage is, but GP says only Hepatology can request one.
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Givemecoffee
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If you put Private Fibroscan in the "Search HealthUnlocked" box and search away it brings up all previous posts where people have managed to get a private fibroscan. It depends where you are in the country as to where you might obtain a scan.
There might also be an option for your doctor to run a Fib-4 test or even an ELF Test (Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test) which are based on specific bloods and can help establish whether you do have fibrosis or not.
I'm sorry to hear your worries. Your GP isn't correct Givemecoffee. My fibroscan was requested, urgently, by rheumatology. You could ask for your surgeon's referral letter to hepatology. Google the hepatologists at your local hospital, note their names and Google them, the results should indicate who works at which private hospital. The private hospital will need a fibroscanner of course. Send a copy of your surgeon's letter and a polite note to the secretary explaining the situation.
I had mine at 1 Welbeck, near Harley Street, consultation and fibroscan. It cost about £575. I probably saved about 4-6 weeks but had a sensible conversation and had my results immediately.
Sorry no one has replied. I was in a similar position to you back in 2021. I was referred to hepatology at my local hospital in Leeds following an ultrasound and ELF Test. As there was a 16 week wait and I was anxious and also due to move house from north to south of England I decided to go for a private consultation. I saw one of the same consultants that I would have seen had I waited but within 2 weeks. He sent me for blood tests for Autoimmune hepatitis etc and said I could either wait for a fibroscan on the NHS or pay to have one the following week. I decided to pay and then saw him again for the results. About 18 months later in Surrey my GP agreed to send me for a follow up fibroscan at my local NHS hospital. If you are worried and do not want to wait you could see a consultant privately at your local hospital depending where you live you just need to look online or ask your GP. There are also private clinics that perform fibroscans. The fibroscan will give you 2 scores. The kPa which is the degree of fibrosis and the CAP score which is the amount of fat in your liver. If you decide to wait it would be advisable to lose weight if you are overweight, cut out all alcohol if you drink any and eat a healthy liver friendly diet, keep active and get a good nights sleep as this is probably what you will be advised to do. Take care.
Regarding a fibro scan (I’ve had several), it’s advisable to not eat anything for at least 4 hours prior to having one and ideally only drink water or tea or coffee without milk in that time. It’s a pretty simple procedure and should take about 10-15 minutes, they will do many scans in the one sitting so they can get a better overall picture and in most cases they will give you your KPA and CAP score reading there and then, then hopefully you’ll get more info on what it all means and hopefully a good result, so good luck!
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