NICE has said that LiverMultiScan or magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) should not be routinely offered to people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More research is recommended into the tests.
LiverMultiScan and MRE are MRI-based tests that aim to assess the stage of NAFLD, and help make decisions about care like whether a biopsy is needed.
Some people find biopsy uncomfortable and stressful, and it can have severe side effects like bleeding or death. So reducing biopsy may benefit people. But it is unclear how much the tests reduce biopsy use. It’s also unclear how much the tests affect care decisions and how accurate they are. This is why more research is recommended.
Information and support
The NHS website may be a good place to find out more.
These organisations can give you advice and support:
- British Liver Trust, 0800 652 7330
- Children’s Liver Disease Foundation, 0121 212 3839
You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.
NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.
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