Community Liver Health Checks (CLHC) Programme

Liver disease is often "silent", meaning many people do not notice symptoms until the condition is advanced:

• Around 1 in 5 adults in the UK may have early stage liver disease
• Liver disease is a leading cause of premature death
• Late diagnosis can lead to cirrhosis or liver cancer

Community liver health checks help detect liver problems early, so that people can receive the right support or treatment.

Most people attending a clinic will have a FibroScan:

• Uses ultrasound technology
• Measures liver stiffness and fat levels
• Takes about 10-15 minutes
• Is painless and non-invasive

Some people may instead have a blood test.

Community liver health checks are for adults who may have risk factors for liver disease, including:

• Hepatitis B or C or at risk of them
• Alcohol related liver disease or excess alcohol consumption
• Adults aged 50+ with fatty liver disease (MASLD) or type 2 diabetes and obesity

• Most people will receive normal results
• Some may receive advice and monitoring
• A smaller number may be referred to liver specialists

The CLHC team will support follow-up care where needed.

Protect your liver by:

• Drinking alcohol within recommended limits (no more than 14 units a week)
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Managing diabetes
• Staying active and eating well
• Getting tested for hepatitis if at risk

1-1 sessions with a specialist nurse for liver health checks are offered in:

• GP practices
• Community health centres
• Local clinics
• Outreach events
• Mobile liver health van visits

Some checks are offered during community events to make them easier to access.

Who is eligible for the programme:

Priority group 1 includes people:

• With Hepatitis B (direct referral to hepatology if not already under secondary care)
• With Hepatitis C
• With Alcohol Related Liver Disease (ARLD)
• 50 years and over, with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
• More than one risk factor from either priority groups 1 or 2

Priority group 2 includes people:

• Previously had or at risk of Hepatitis B/C
• Excess alcohol consumption
• 50 years and over, with Type 2 diabetes and obesity (>30BMI or >27BMI for someone with an ethnic background)