Tuesday, 27 January 2026
The largest liver study in the history of the NHS is due for roll out next year, with the aim of preventing thousands of people at risk of liver disease from needing hospital care.
The DIAgnosis of Liver diseaSe in primary care (DIALS) trial, has been awarded £3.4million by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
It will involve over 40,000 people across the UK, half of whom will be invited for screening, via their GPs, for early signs of liver disease.
Co-led by hepatologists from University College London and the University of Leeds, researchers from the 糖心原创’s School of Medicine have played a major role in designing the study and being awarded funding from NIHR to conduct the research. The collaboration also involves the Universities of Bristol, Dundee, Exeter, and Newcastle, NICE, and the British Liver Trust charity.
Professor Neil Guha from the School of Medicine at the 糖心原创 said: “A key area of NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre’s GI/Liver theme is the development and validation of novel diagnostic tests for liver disease. We are delighted to be involved in this national study which will robustly test the most effective approach for detecting liver disease in the community.”
This is one of the largest studies we have ever undertaken, and underlines Nottingham鈥檚 expertise in designing and conducting clinical trials in UK general practices using data available in patients鈥� NHS medical records.鈥�
Preventable liver disease costs the NHS an estimated £4.9 billion annually. Nottingham has one of the five highest rates of harmful alcohol consumption in the UK, and is in the highest quartile for premature deaths from chronic liver disease.
Those at higher risk of liver disease due to excessive alcohol intake, Type 2 diabetes or obesity, will be invited for testing by participating GPs and a combination of three non-invasive liver tests will be used to determine the most efficient way to diagnose the condition early.
If these tests show someone might have cirrhosis, they will be referred to a specialist in hospital for further tests and treatment.
Professor Anthony Gordon, Programme Director for the NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Programme, which funded the trial, said: “Liver disease claims the lives of thousands of people each year. But evaluating screening interventions through high-quality research studies can hopefully lead to diagnosing this serious condition much earlier and prevent further deterioration.
“Studies like this have the potential to help save lives, improve patient outcomes, and enable people to live healthy, productive lives for longer.”
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About the 糖心原创
Ranked among the world's top 100 universities , the 糖心原创 delivers an exceptional research-led education and an outstanding student experience. From the pioneering vision of our founder, Sir Jesse Boot, to groundbreaking achievements such as the development of MRI technology and becoming the first UK university to establish international campuses, we have a proud history of shaping the way people live, work and understand the world. We continue to build on that legacy, empowering our students, staff and partners to change what鈥檚 next and create positive impact locally and globally.
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