🔬What is it?
Our liver clinic assesses and follows people with fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C, raised liver enzymes, and cirrhosis. The liver often causes no symptoms until damage is advanced, so assessment relies on blood tests, ultrasound and FibroScan, which measures liver stiffness and fat without a needle. Your hepatologist explains the results in plain language and builds a plan for treatment, monitoring and prevention.
💡Why might you need it?
You should see a liver specialist if blood tests show raised liver enzymes, if fatty liver is seen on ultrasound, if you have hepatitis B or C or a family history of liver disease, if you have diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol, or if you notice yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, swelling of the abdomen or legs, or unexplained tiredness. Early care can slow or stop damage, and many liver conditions can now be treated effectively.
⚙️How does it work?
- Your doctor takes a full history, including weight, diabetes, alcohol use, medicines, supplements and family history
- Blood tests check liver enzymes and function, viral hepatitis markers, blood sugar, cholesterol and other causes of liver disease
- An abdominal ultrasound and a FibroScan assess the liver's shape, fat content and stiffness
- The doctor explains the stage of liver disease and the likely cause, and agrees a plan with you
- Treatment and follow-up are set at regular intervals, with screening for complications where needed
⏱️Duration
Consultation 30–45 minutes; FibroScan about 10 minutes
📋How to prepare?
- ✓Bring previous blood tests, scans and a list of all medicines and supplements
- ✓Fast for about 3 hours before a FibroScan (water is fine) unless told otherwise
- ✓Avoid alcohol and herbal products before the visit, and tell your doctor if you use them
📝What to expect?
- •The first visit includes a detailed discussion and examination, and the tests can often be arranged on the same day
- •FibroScan and ultrasound are painless and take only a few minutes; no needle is involved
- •Your doctor explains what the numbers mean and whether treatment, lifestyle change or monitoring is needed
- •Treatment may include medicines, weight and diabetes management, diet and activity advice and vaccination where appropriate
- •Follow-up visits and repeat tests track your progress and screen for complications if there is advanced scarring
👥Who is it for?
- ✓People with raised liver enzymes or fatty liver seen on ultrasound
- ✓Those with hepatitis B or C, or who have a family member with them
- ✓People with diabetes, obesity or high cholesterol, who are at higher risk of fatty liver
- ✓Patients with known cirrhosis who need regular follow-up and screening
- ✓Anyone with yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, abdominal or leg swelling or unexplained tiredness
🛡️Safety & risks
- •Blood tests, ultrasound and FibroScan carry very little risk; a blood draw may cause brief discomfort or a small bruise
- •FibroScan results can be less reliable in some people, for example with a high body weight or recent eating
- •Some liver conditions can progress silently, so skipping follow-up carries its own risk
- •Medicines for liver disease can have side effects, and your doctor will monitor you and explain them
📄Results & next steps
Blood tests are usually available within a day or two and the FibroScan result is ready straight away. Your doctor explains the stage and cause of the liver condition and the plan, and sets repeat tests to track progress.
❓Frequently asked questions
What is fatty liver and is it dangerous?
Fatty liver means extra fat is stored in the liver, most often linked to weight, diabetes and high cholesterol. In many people it stays mild, but in some it causes inflammation and scarring over time, so it is worth assessing and treating, mainly through weight loss, diet and activity.
What is a FibroScan and does it hurt?
FibroScan is a painless test that uses gentle vibrations and sound waves through the skin to measure liver stiffness (scarring) and fat. It takes about 10 minutes, needs no needle and gives a result straight away.
Can hepatitis B or C be treated?
Yes. Hepatitis C can usually be cured with a course of tablets, and hepatitis B can be controlled with treatment and regular monitoring. A hepatologist decides what you need after blood tests and an assessment of the liver.
What are the symptoms of liver problems?
Many liver diseases cause no symptoms at first. Later signs can include yellow eyes or skin, dark urine, itching, swelling of the abdomen or legs, tiredness and easy bruising. Do not wait for symptoms if you have risk factors; ask about testing.
How often should I follow up for a liver condition?
It depends on the cause and stage. Some people need checks every few months, others once a year, and people with cirrhosis need regular monitoring including screening for complications. Your hepatologist will set your schedule.