A painless, non-invasive test for liver damage
More than 6 million (one in four) Australians are living with some form of liver disease. Most of these people will, at some stage, need testing to assess if the disease has damaged their liver. In the past, this meant patients would need an invasive and often painful liver biopsy.
However, there is now a better way.
FibroScan is a new, non-invasive liver scanning technology that saves patients a lot of time and discomfort. At Moonee Valley Specialist Centre, we perform liver scans using the FibroScan technology.
If you are interested in getting a liverscan in Melbourne, call our clinic on 03 9372 0372 or easily book through our website
FibroScan® 502 Touch
A liver scan with the FibroScan® 502 Touch is a painless procedure that determines whether a disease (such as hepatitis) has scarred the patient’s liver. It does this by measuring any stiffness (or scarring) of the organ, known as fibrosis.
A FibroScan scan detects not only the presence of fibrosis but also the degree to which the liver is affected. Fatty change within the liver, caused by fatty liver disease, can also be detected using this advanced diagnostic tool.
Moonee Valley Specialist Centre is the only private practice in Victoria to have a FibroScan® 502 Touch device. Centre Director and specialist nurse Nicole Starbuck-Connelly has undergone extensive training in the use of this technology and walks all patients through the non-invasive process in a calm, relaxing manner.
The FibroScan Procedure
If you are contemplating getting a FibroScan in Melbourne, then you would undoubtedly want to know more about how it works. The device uses “shear waves” to assess the elasticity of your liver through a technique known as VCTE™ (Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography).
The examination of the liver generally takes between 5 to 30 minutes. The nurse will apply a minor amount of water-based gel to the area, after which a probe is placed at a precise point on your right-hand side. You may feel a gentle vibration at the site of the probe, which generates a vibration wave. The faster the wave travels through the liver, the more serious the scarring.
Multiple measurements will be taken consecutively at the same spot to measure the state of your liver in its entirety. This is superior to a traditional liver biopsy where only a small part of the liver is examined.
The Results
After the completion of the FibroScan scan, the device will display what is known as a “liver scan score”. This score is calculated based on several readings from the test you just undertook and will give Dr. Connelly a clear view as to the state of your liver.
These results are immediate and help Dr. Connelly make his recommendations – whether it be advising dietary changes or a particular type of treatment. You can come to Moonee Valley Specialist Centre for regular FibroScans in Melbourne, enabling your doctor to closely monitor whether any issues have progressed.
Many liver diseases, such as hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, can lead to fibrosis. Without successful treatment, this scarring can lead to cirrhosis, for which there is no cure. Liver transplantation may be the only treatment.
Booking your FibroScan in Melbourne can prove to be a critical step in the early detection of severe liver issues.
Preparation
To prepare for your liver scan, you need to ensure that you do not eat, drink, chew or smoke anything for at least 4 hours prior. The procedure itself will take between 5 to 30 minutes, but you should allow for more time to consult with our medical team about your results afterwards.
You do not need a referral from your GP to get a liver scan at our clinic.
Accessing PBS Treatments
Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) will need a liver fibrosis assessment as part of eligibility for new treatments available on the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme (PBS). A liver scan in Melbourne at our Moonee Valley Specialist Centre is a non-invasive, painless procedure that provides an accurate assessment of the liver in less than 30 minutes.
The new HCV treatments were listed on the PBS from 1 March 2016. For more information, see:
For Health Professionals
TheFibroScan® 502 Touch or transient elastography uses fibrosis and steatosis quantification for the clinical management of patients with liver disease. It assesses shear (or vibration) wave speed and equivalent stiffness (expressed in kilopascal). Results range from 2.5kPa to 75kPa – a healthy person without liver disease could expect a reading of < 7.0kPa.
Why Us?
At Moonee Valley Specialist Centre, we are the top destination for liver scan in Melbourne. Our experienced team enables you to get a quick and precise examination of your liver health with a full breakdown of the results by specialist hepatologist Dr. Nathan Connelly.
We are committed to making sure you are fully informed and comfortable throughout your entire experience with us. If you have any questions or concerns about your liver scan, we are always happy to speak with you.
About Moonee Valley Specialist Centre
Husband and wife team Dr. Nathan Connelly and Mrs Nicole Starbuck-Connelly have owned and operated Moonee Valley Specialist Centre since 2011. For the last 10 years, the clinic has provided top-quality medical care and professional health services to its patients.
The clinic is located at 1003 Mount Alexander Road, Essendon, and is easy to get to via car or by tram (Essendon North Village tram stops are only a short 10-minute walk away). Our friendly reception team is available to take your call 9-5 on weekdays.
Book Your Appointment Today
We do not provide walk-in appointments, but you can make a liverscan booking in-person at the reception desk or simply call us on 03 9372 0372 or book online.
