Fibrometer NAFLD

Non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and is the primary cause of chronic liver disease in industrialized nations. NAFLD represents a wide spectrum of liver pathology and ranges from benign, fatty liver or steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the cause of liver fibrosis. Progressive liver fibrosis is associated with increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

The gold standard for establishing a NAFLD diagnosis is a liver biopsy, which is also used to monitor the progression of liver fibrosis. However, liver biopsy is an invasive and costly procedure subject to sampling errors and inaccuracy due to inter- and intra-observations of pathologic interpretations.

The FibroMeter NAFLD test is a non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy and serves as a surrogate marker of liver fibrosis specifically in patients with chronic liver disease due to NAFLD. A proprietary algorithm calculates results based on patient clinical data (age and weight) and five blood biomarkers: platelet count, AST, ALT, ferritin, and glucose.

A patient score (0–1) and correlated fibrosis Metavir stage (F0–F4) are provided. Fibrosis stage has been shown to be the strongest predictor of mortality associated with NAFLD.

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Test Details

Scores are algorithmically calculated from values of blood biomarkers, platelet count, demographic information.

Measurements Performed by ARUP ALT, AST, ferritin, glucose
Information Provided by Client Patient's platelet count, age, gender, weight
Calculated Scores Score ranges from 0 to 1, 1 being the most severe stage:
  • Fibrosis score (FibroMeter)
Metavir Classifications Corresponding classifications are reported together with the scores:
  • F0–F4 for fibrosis/cirrhosis

Method Comparison

  FibroMeter Liver Biopsy
Nature of Test Non-invasive Invasive
Advantages Measurement of global fibrosis, suitable for serial observations Direct, evaluation of co-exisiting pathologies
Limitations Indirect measurement of functional changes of the liver Sampling error, inter-observer variability, possible hospitalization
Risks Very little risk Pain, bleeding, pneumothorax, hemothorax, infection
Cost Less expensive than biopsy Expensive
Contradictions None known Uncooperative patient, severe coagulopathy, extrahepatic biliary obstruction, ascites, morbid obesity

Ordering Information

How to Order

Please contact your hospital or reference laboratory to inquire about pricing, test-request forms, and billing for this test.

Test Information

Test Name Liver Fibrosis, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (Echosens FibroMeter)
Test Code 2012521
Mnemonic FIBRO NAFLD
Method Quantitative Enzymatic/Quantitative Spectrophotometry/Automated Cell Count/Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
Specimen Information 2 mL serum. Must supply patient platelet count performed on EDTA whole blood (ordered separately through client institution)
Fibrometer NAFLD
 

Specimen Collection Requirements

Collection Lavender (EDTA) or Pink (K2EDTA) for platelet count AND Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Preparation Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 2 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 1.2 mL)
Transport Temperature Serum should be shipped frozen; do not send the EDTA whole blood to ARUP.
Remarks This test requires an automated platelet count performed on the EDTA whole blood sample at the client site. Include the platelet count with the patient test submission information. This test requires the patient’s weight (in pounds). Include the patient’s weight with the sample submission.
Specimen Stability From time of collection to initiation of testing:
Serum: Ambient: 8 hours;
Refrigerated: 48 hours;
Frozen: 2 weeks