a bit of history

FerriScan, the MRI for Liver Iron Concentration, was launched on the Choose and Book system by The Whittington Hospital on Friday 4 June, meaning that GPs can now easily access the FerriScan test for patients when iron overload is suspected.

Iron overload conditions such as Hereditary Haemochromatosis are notoriously difficult to detect and yet are one of the most common genetic disorders in the UK with around 1 in 200 people affected. Whilst blood tests and gene tests can indicate iron overload, there has previously been no way to diagnose the presence or extent of iron overload other than using an invasive and expensive liver biopsy procedure.

Now the new MRI technology, FerriScan, provides a colour coded map of the liver showing the iron concentration and providing a highly accurate reading to assist in diagnosing and planning treatment for patients. FerriScan is more accurate, painless and more cost effective than liver biopsy.

Professor Tim St Pierre, chief scientist for Resonance Health Limited who provide the FerriScan service, came over from Perth, Australia to take part in the launch event and said:

“The Whittington has been extremely progressive in enabling FerriScan to be accessible on the Choose and Book system and it is a credit to their MRI department that this is now available as a directly bookable service.”

The Choose and Book System is a NHS national referral scheme which enables GPs to go online and book hospital tests for patients directly while they are sitting in their surgery. If the doctor and patient decides that a FerriScan is required, the GP can log on, search for FerriScan, then find out what appointments are available and then book a time and date to have their FerriScan at The Whittington Hospital.

Once the scan is completed, The FerriScan report will then be sent to the GP (and consultant if required) so they can see the Liver Iron Concentration reading.

For patients at risk of iron overload, having an accurate Liver Iron Concentration MRI (FerriScan) can assist GPs or consultants to diagnose the condition, and plan treatment better. Whilst genetic tests for Haemochromatosis are useful, 10 per cent of patients test negative for the gene, but are still iron overloaded. In addition, the gene test does not provide any information on the amount of iron in the body.

The Whittington is the first hospital to offer FerriScan as a directly bookable service on The Choose and Book system. The Choose and Book system is available to every GP in the country.