Comprehensive liver scans at our Melbourne clinic

Liver scan technology is the key to spotting early health warnings. Your liver plays an extremely important role in your overall health – it’s a hard-working organ that filters blood from your digestive tract. One of its functions is to metabolise alcohol – in other words, to remove the substance from your bloodstream.

However, the liver isn’t invincible and constant over-indulgence can damage this essential organ over time. Regular checks can help identify issues and prevent irreparable long-term damage. Moonee Valley Specialist Centre is the only private practice in Melbourne to conduct liver scans using a state-of-the-art FibroScan® 502 Touch device.

No GP referral required.

What is a liver scan?

A liver scan inspects your liver for signs of fibrosis (scarring) and steatosis (fatty). Fatty change is when fat builds up in your liver cells. The procedure is similar to an ultrasound scan. However, instead of using high-frequency sound waves to create a picture like an ultrasound does, a liver scan uses a series of short, pulsed, low-frequency sound waves to measure liver stiffness as well as sheer wave elastography (or vibration waves).

The result is displayed as a number, or score, rather than a picture. This number informs our specialists of how much scarring and fat the liver has. There is often a strong correlation between higher fat scores and higher fibrosis scores. Fibrosis is measured in kPa (Kilopascals) whilst steatosis is measured in CAP (Controlled Attenuation Parameter).

Why get a liver scan test from our specialist hepatologists?

Liver scans are a reliable staging tool for physicians to minimise patient risk, and is often used as an alternative to a liver biopsy (or to decide if a liver biopsy is in fact appropriate).

The reading may be used to estimate the existing degree of liver damage, monitor disease progression or regression via serial measurements, or guide prognosis and further management, including treatment. 

Fibro Liver Scan

Which diseases does a liver scan test for?

The FibroScan® 502 Touch has been validated for assessment of severity and long-term monitoring in most liver diseases, including:

  • Alcohol-related liver disease
  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD or NASH) now known as Metabolic Associate Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
  • Hepatitis B and C
  • Advanced fibrosis
  • Autoimmune hepatitis
  • Cholestatic liver disease (PBC and PSC)
  • Drug related liver disease
  • Alcohol related Disease
  • Hemochromatosis
  • HIV/HCV Coinfection
  • Cholestatic Disease
  • Cirrhosis

Is there any prior preparation before a liver scan?

Please ensure you have nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew for a minimum of 4 hours prior to your procedure to avoid having to repeat the scan. You may have water up until the procedure.

What is the process?

A liver scan at our Melbourne clinic is a painless procedure similar to an ultrasound and takes about 10 minutes. Please ensure you have nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew for a minimum of 4 hours prior to your procedure to avoid having to repeat the scan. You may have water up until the procedure.

Do I need a referral?

You do not need a referral. A liver scan is a self-referred procedure.

How much does a liver scan test cost in Melbourne?

Currently, there is no MBS rebate for a liver scan. The fee for this procedure is $195. There are very few machines available and waiting time through the public hospital can be up to 6 months or longer, depending on your category of triage.

Book Appointment

How long will it take?

A liver scan procedure itself takes approximately 10 mins. If an appointment with Dr Connelly is required, this will be booked separately.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some commonly asked questions about the liver scan procedure. If you can’t find the answer to your question below, you can request a call back from our staff here.

Yes, you do. Bookings can be made online or by calling our clinic on (03) 9372 0372. We also provide colonoscopy treatment, capsule endoscopies, IV iron infusions, gastroscopy and other health services.

Book Appointment

You could bring someone from your family or a friend to the centre. However, they would not be allowed into the procedure room

Please call our friendly staff on 03 9372 0372. There are no cancellation fees.

Why choose Moonee Valley Specialist Centre for your liver scan?

Liver scans are run by Registered Nurse Nicole Starbuck-Connelly and supported by Dr. Nathan Connelly, a leading and highly respected liver specialist (hepatologist) and gastroenterologist. Based in Essendon, Nicole and Nathan have more than 40 years of combined experience as liver scan specialists.

After your scan, Nicole will discuss your result and what action may be needed in relation to your liver health. She will advise seeing a specialist only if this is indicated in the results of your scan, which will be immediately available.

MVSC Church

Book a liver scan appointment at MVS Centre in Melbourne today

If you are looking for a “hepatologist near me”, then you’re in luck as Moonee Valley Specialist Centre is the only private clinic in Victoria to possess a FibroScan® 502 Touch. Our experienced specialist team of nurses and hepatologist in Melbourne will walk you through the entire process and give you a thorough breakdown of the results and recommended next steps.

Established in 2011, Moonee Valley Specialist Centre has provided outstanding patient care outcomes for 10 years and is dedicated to your comfort and satisfaction. Our friendly reception team is available from 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Call us on 03 9372 0372 or complete your booking online.

*All information is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. See a doctor if you experience a persistent change in bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.

1003 Mt Alexander Road Essendon, VIC, 3040

Call us now

Call us now

03 9372 0372

Email Us at

Email Us at

reception@mvscentre.com.au