In chronic liver diseases of all aetiology, persistent hepatocyte injury leads to progressive fibrosis and cirrhosis. In the UK, 76 adults per 100,000 population have cirrhosis and its incidence is increasing (Fleming et al., J Hepatol 2008,49,p732-738). Currently, liver biopsy is the only method of assessing the degree of fibrosis. However, liver biopsy is associated with limitations such as sampling error, intra- and inter-observer variations in interpretation and adverse events (Morbidity 1-5% and mortality between 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 10,000), hence considered a 'Silver (rather than Gold) standard'. Assessment of degree of fibrosis is necessary to stage the disease process, determine the timing of intervention and for prognosis.