## FibroTest for Liver Health Assessment
### Introduction
FibroTest is a non-invasive and reliable medical test that assesses the extent of liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of scar tissue in the liver. It provides valuable information about the presence and severity of liver diseases.
### Procedure
FibroTest is performed using a simple blood draw. The blood sample is analyzed to measure the levels of six biomarkers related to liver health. These biomarkers include:
* Cytokeratin-18 and hyaluronic acid, which are associated with liver injury
* Alpha-2-macroglobulin, which inhibits enzymes involved in fibrosis
* Haptoglobin and apolipoprotein-A1, which are acute-phase proteins
* Gamma-glutamyltransferase, which is an enzyme involved in liver function
### Diagnosis
FibroTest helps diagnose and monitor various liver conditions, including:
* Liver cirrhosis
* Liver fibrosis due to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD)
* Chronic hepatitis B and C
* Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)
* Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC)
It provides a score that ranges from 0 to 40, with:
* 0-14: No or minimal fibrosis
* 14.5-27.5: Fibrosis without cirrhosis
* 28-37.5: Advanced fibrosis with liver cirrhosis
* Greater than 37.5: End-stage liver failure
### Importance
FibroTest is crucial because it:
* Offers a non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy, which is more invasive and costly.
* Allows early detection of fibrosis, before it progresses to more severe liver damage.
* Helps determine the severity of liver disease and the need for further treatment.
* Enables monitoring of treatment progress and response to medications.
### Alternatives
Alternative tests for assessing liver fibrosis include:
* Liver biopsy: Invasive procedure that removes a small tissue sample from the liver.
* Elastography: Uses ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure liver stiffness.
### Preparation
Before the FibroTest, it is recommended to:
* Fast for at least 10 hours.
* Inform the doctor about any medications or supplements being taken.
* Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours.
### Duration
The test takes a few minutes to complete. Results are typically ready within 2-3 days.
### Recommendations
Based on the FibroTest results, the doctor may recommend complementary tests, such as ultrasound or liver biopsy, for further evaluation. Regular FibroTests may be necessary to monitor disease progression and treatment response.
