New ultrasound device could spot liver disease early and speed up specialist care
NCT ID NCT06387745
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing a new, non-invasive ultrasound device called the Hepatoscope to screen for liver scarring (fibrosis) and fatty liver in people at risk. Researchers will enroll 200 patients with risk factors like diabetes or elevated liver enzymes. Those with high stiffness readings on the scan will be referred to a liver specialist, and the device's accuracy will be compared to standard care.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Hepatoscope (non-invasive ultrasound device)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could provide a simple, non-invasive way to identify patients who need specialist care for chronic liver disease, potentially catching problems earlier.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage diagnostic study with 200 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device's accuracy compared to standard tests is still being evaluated.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 200 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
-
Aug 2025
- Expected to finish
-
Dec 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 80 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with any of the following * Elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT, Gamma-GT, AP) * Type 2 diabetes * Elements of metabolic syndrome * Patients who consent in written to participate in the Clinical Investigation after being orally informed on the objectives and methods of the Clinical Investigation Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with active implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, pumps, etc. * Patients presenting wounds at the location where the Hepatoscope probe shall be placed on patients' skin, * Pregnant and breastfeeding women, * People deprived of their freedom rights.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Chronic liver disease are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
RECRUITINGEdegem, Antwerp, 2650, Belgium
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Underactive thyroid may worsen liver scarring in fatty liver disease
- Sound waves may replace the needle in liver scarring tests
- Can a new ultrasound device spot liver damage without a biopsy?
- Can stem cells help infants with biliary atresia avoid a liver transplant?
- Can extra doses of an old drug reverse liver scarring?
- Can Weight-Loss surgery beat drugs for advanced liver damage?