Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test

Liver fibrosis is the buildup of scar tissue in the liver. In an attempt to repair damage, the liver forms scar tissue, affecting its ability to function normally. The scar tissue replaces the liver’s cells and limits blood flow to and from the liver. A reduced blood flow to this organ results in further scar tissue formation.

Scarring of the liver works on a scale, with mild to moderate amounts of scarring being treatable and reversible. On the other end of the spectrum, scarring over a longer period of time can cause permanent, irreversible and life-threatening damage, leading to liver failure.

Long-term damage and scarring to the liver can result in cirrhosis of the liver, which is also known as end-stage liver disease. Currently, there is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver; only ways in which symptoms of the disease can be managed. A liver transplant may be the only option once cirrhosis progresses to liver failure.

Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) refers to a blood test that examines three markers in the blood. The amounts of blood markers HA, PIIINP and TIMP-1 are calculated and combined into a score which correlates with the risk of liver fibrosis (scarring).

Unfortunately, liver fibrosis can go undiagnosed in the mild to moderate stages as symptoms tend to show as the condition worsens and scarring builds up. Liver fibrosis often goes undetected until significant damage occurs.

Once liver fibrosis progresses, individuals may experience the following symptoms:

• Loss of appetite
• Inability to think clearly
• Buildup of fluid in the legs or stomach
• Jaundiced appearance (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Feelings of nausea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Weakness
• Easily bleeding or bruising

Scarring of the liver, otherwise known as liver fibrosis, occurs when the liver experiences inflammation and injury. The damage causes the liver to start the healing process. When the liver can no longer repair itself, excess scar tissue develops.

Many types of liver conditions can cause liver fibrosis, including:

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is the most common cause
• Alcoholic liver disease, the second most common condition
• Viral hepatitis B and C
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Biliary obstruction
• Iron overload

Detecting liver fibrosis in the mild to moderate stages can help to prevent the level of scarring from developing into severe fibrosis and cirrhosis. In the early stages, it is possible to treat liver fibrosis and reverse some of the damage caused. However, without accurate testing and detection, severe scarring may occur. Progression of the disease can result in cirrhosis of the liver, which is irreversible and cannot be cured.

A simple ELF liver test ensures that any low-level scarring of the liver is identified and addressed before it develops into a more serious and potentially life-threatening condition.

The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test involves taking a sample of blood in order to measure the amounts of 3 blood markers. The results are added together to give a combined enhanced liver fibrosis score, suggesting whether or not there may be scarring of the liver. The levels of scarring are categorised as none or mild, moderate, and severe, indicating the development of cirrhosis of the liver.

The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test offered by Bluecrest Wellness can be taken at any of our 350 venues across the UK. A trained health assessment specialist will take your sample, which will be sent off for analysis. You will receive your comprehensive Results Report, which details the findings from the sample analysis in an easy to understand way.

Need help? Call free on 0800 652 2183 to speak to one of our team.