Liver Health Checks at IKEA Croydon
The St George's Liver Health team will be at IKEA Croydon offering free, easy liver health checks to patients at risk of liver disease.
Location
IKEA Croydon
Purley Way Croydon CR0 4UZ United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- In person
About this event
The Liver Health Team from St George's are really happy to be offering simple liver health checks on their mobile liver health unit outside IKEA Croydon. The scans are similar to ultrasounds and deliver an instant result for fibrosis (scarring) and fat in the liver. You will receive a written interpretation of your result after your scan, and if onward referrals need to be made then St George's will manage these for you. More information about the scan itself can be found in the FAQs on this page, and information about liver health in general can be found on the British Liver Trust website: British Liver Trust - Pioneering Liver Health.
Frequently asked questions
A liver Fibroscan is a type of scan, like an ultrasound, that measures fibrosis (scarring) and fat in your liver. You may be offered or referred for a Fibroscan if you are at increased risk of liver damage, for example you drink more than the recommended weekly amount of alcohol or have diabetes.
The Fibroscan works by sending ultrasonic waves through the skin into the liver and measuring its stiffness. It is done with you laying on your back with your right arm behind your head. Some gel is applied to your stomach and a small probe is held against your stomach to perform the scan.
No! Having a Fibroscan does not hurt – you will feel a light ‘tap’ on your side as the probe sends ultrasonic waves into your liver but this is not painful. The entire procedure should take no longer than 10 minutes.
It is very important that you do not eat anything for 3 hours before the scan as this can affect the results and lead to further unnecessary tests. Clear fluids are okay, but please avoid any milk-containing drinks.
Please try to wear clothing that isn’t too difficult to pull up at the sides, as the nurse or technician performing your scan will need to access the right side of your tummy.
The nurse or technician performing your scan will give you your result and explain it instantly. You will receive a written copy of it and what it means. If the result is elevated and suggests your liver is damaged this will be explained to you & a referral into further care will be made for you.
If your question isn't answered here, give the St George's team a call on 0208 725 0758, or get in touch with us via the ‘Contact’ option at the bottom of the event page. If you have a question about why you have been invited for this health check, please contact your GP surgery.