Liver Health: Why blood tests alone may not show the full picture?

Most people assume that if their GP checks their blood tests, their liver is fine. But the truth is, routine tests can miss early liver problems, and fatty liver disease, which affects 10–20% of people in the UK, often develops silently.

Even if you feel well and your blood results look normal, your liver could still be under stress. That’s why it’s important to understand your risk factors, recognise the early signs, and know how to check your liver safely.

Why Fatty Liver Matters?

Fatty liver disease — sometimes called NAFLD or MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated liver disease) — happens when fat builds up in the liver. Over time, it can cause scarring (fibrosis) and, in severe cases, lead to serious liver problems, including liver failure and liver cancer. Many people have fatty liver without symptoms, and routine blood tests may not catch early damage.

Early Detection is Key

Even normal blood results can be misleading. Early liver disease often shows no symptoms, so damage can progress silently. By the time tiredness, abdominal swelling, or jaundice appear, scarring may already have started.

FibroScan®: Quick, Safe, and Accurate

At LycaHealth Orpington, we offer the only private, certified NICE- and FDA-approved FibroScan® machine in Kent, recognised by all major insurers.

FibroScan® is a painless, non-invasive scan that measures:

• Liver stiffness, indicating scarring
• Liver fat content, to detect fatty liver early

It takes just minutes and gives immediate results, helping you and your doctor understand your liver health and decide on the best next steps to reverse or halt fatty liver and/or fibrosis.

Who Should Consider a Liver Health Check

A FibroScan® may be particularly useful if you:

• Are overweight, obese, have a high waist measurement, or have type 2 diabetes
• Eat a diet high in unhealthy foods or sugary drinks
• Have a history of high alcohol intake
• Have abnormal blood test results, raised cholesterol, or high blood pressure
• Have conditions linked to insulin resistance, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Want to check your liver proactively

Even if you feel well, early detection allows lifestyle or medical interventions to stop or reverse liver fat and fibrosis.

Taking the First Step

Your liver works hard every day, and a simple check can give you clarity and peace of mind. At LycaHealth Orpington, our FibroScan® service is fast, safe, and evidence based.

A simple scan today can help you stay well for years to come.

By Professor Aftab Ala PhD FRCP

Consultant Hepatologist and Gastroenterologist
LycaHealth Orpington