A non-invasive ultrasound test is set to reduce the need for liver biopsy across the NHS following a guide published by the NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC).
The guide, commissioned by the NHS, will help all Trusts across the NHS undertake the practical steps to implementing this non invasive and cost effective diagnostic procedure rapidly. Previously an assessment of liver fibrosis could only be determined by undertaking a liver biopsy. There are considerable downsides to this procedure, due to its invasive nature, an inherent risk of infection and the high costs of a surgical procedure and hospital attendance as an inpatient. The use of Ultrasound Elastography, a non-invasive method of monitoring liver fibrosis, provides a safer and quicker diagnosis as well as reducing costs by an estimated £520. The NHS Technology Adoption Centre (NTAC) studied the implementation of Ultrasound Elastography within secondary care at three NHS Trusts. A pack of information and practical tools have been developed, based on the findings, which will help clinicians and managers in NHS Trusts implement this new technology. Economic modeling, based upon real life implementation, was produced by York Health Economic Consortium along with a bespoke costing tool that can help to inform local providers/commissioners of the potential savings that can be made. York estimated a gross saving of £520 each time a liver biopsy is replaced with an Ultrasound Elastography. When extrapolated across the NHS, this equates to a saving of £14.3 m per annum based on current numbers. NTAC Technology Implementation Manager, Stephen Hodges, said: “This technology has had a very positive impact both for patients and for the NHS. It enables doctors to diagnose and monitor liver fibrosis much more closely than ever before and does so in a pain-free, safe and cost-effective way.”
