Liver Fibrosis Blood Test – Advanced (with Hepatitis B & C)

This advanced panel is designed for anyone concerned about liver health, particularly those with risk factors such as chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or a history of alcohol use. It combines detailed liver function testing with a validated fibrosis risk score and a viral hepatitis screen, giving a comprehensive picture of liver cell health, synthetic function, and the likelihood of underlying fibrosis or cirrhosis.

The test uses standard automated biochemistry and immunoassay techniques to measure liver enzymes, proteins, and viral markers. A full blood count is included to assess platelet levels, which can fall as liver fibrosis progresses. The FIB-4 score is then calculated from age, AST, ALT, and platelet count to estimate the degree of liver scarring without the need for imaging or biopsy.

Liver Function
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): an enzyme that rises when liver cells are damaged.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): another liver enzyme, also found in muscle, useful alongside ALT.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): reflects bile duct and liver function.
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): sensitive to alcohol use and biliary obstruction.
- Total bilirubin: a waste product processed by the liver; elevated levels can indicate impaired function.
- Albumin: a protein made by the liver; low levels suggest reduced synthetic capacity.
- Total protein: measures overall protein production, including albumin and globulins.
- Cholylglycine (CG): a bile acid that can rise with early liver dysfunction.

Liver Fibrosis Risk
- Full blood count (FBC), including platelet count: low platelets are a key indicator of advanced fibrosis or portal hypertension.
- FIB-4 score (calculated): a non-invasive index combining age, AST, ALT, and platelets to stratify fibrosis risk.

Viral Hepatitis Screen
- Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg): detects current hepatitis B infection.
- Hepatitis C antibody (Anti-HCV): indicates past or present hepatitis C exposure.

Metabolic Health
- HbA1c: reflects average blood sugar over three months; diabetes increases liver fibrosis risk.
- Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol ratio): assesses cardiovascular and metabolic risk, which often coexist with liver disease.

Why it matters
Liver fibrosis can progress silently for years. Identifying it early through a simple blood test allows timely lifestyle changes, antiviral treatment, or specialist referral, supporting informed discussions with your doctor regarding lifestyle guidance or specialist assessment. This panel provides a thorough, non-invasive assessment that can be repeated to monitor liver health over time.