Liver Fibrosis Blood Test – Complete (Liver Scarring Markers)

This comprehensive panel is designed for anyone concerned about liver health, particularly those with risk factors such as chronic viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, alcohol-related liver damage, or metabolic syndrome. It goes beyond standard liver function tests by directly measuring the key biomarkers involved in the formation of scar tissue (fibrosis) within the liver. By combining routine liver enzymes with specific fibrosis markers, viral screening, and metabolic indicators, this test provides a detailed picture of liver health and helps identify silent scarring before it progresses to cirrhosis.

The test uses a simple blood sample, which is analysed using a combination of standard biochemical assays, immunoassays, and haematology profiling to ensure accurate and reliable results.

Liver Function
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found primarily in the liver; elevated levels can indicate liver cell damage.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Another enzyme found in the liver and other tissues; high levels may suggest liver injury.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme related to the bile ducts; elevated levels can indicate bile duct obstruction or other liver issues.
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): A sensitive marker of liver and bile duct function, often elevated in alcohol use or fatty liver.
- Total bilirubin: A yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of red blood cells; high levels can cause jaundice and indicate liver dysfunction.
- Albumin: A protein made by the liver; low levels can indicate chronic liver disease or poor nutrition.
- Total protein: Measures the overall amount of proteins in the blood, including albumin and globulins.
- Cholylglycine (CG): A bile acid that can be elevated in liver disease, reflecting impaired liver function.

Liver Scarring Markers
- Hyaluronic acid (HA): A component of the extracellular matrix; elevated levels are associated with liver fibrosis.
- Laminin (LN): A protein that increases in the basement membrane during fibrosis.
- Procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP): A marker of collagen synthesis, reflecting active fibrogenesis.
- Collagen type IV (CIV): A major component of basement membranes; increased levels indicate fibrosis.

Liver Fibrosis Risk
- Full blood count (FBC), including platelet count: Low platelet count can be a sign of advanced liver disease and portal hypertension.
- FIB-4 score (calculated): A non-invasive index that combines age, AST, ALT, and platelet count to estimate the likelihood of significant fibrosis.

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

Metabolic Health
- HbA1c: Reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months; diabetes is a risk factor for fatty liver disease.
- Lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, cholesterol ratio): Abnormal lipid levels are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Why it matters
Liver fibrosis often develops silently, with no obvious symptoms until significant damage has occurred. Identifying markers of liver health can provide valuable insight for your doctor to evaluate liver function and discuss appropriate clinical next steps. This comprehensive panel not only assesses current liver function but also directly measures the processes that lead to scarring, providing you and your doctor with vital information to take proactive steps for your liver health.