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Learn more about your risk for liver disease with this accurate, reliable liver health test.

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Test Details

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Sample Type: Blood
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Collection Method: In person at a Labcorp location
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Age: 18+
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Results: 1 day from when your sample arrives at our lab
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HSA/FSA: Accepted
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Test must be taken by purchaser

Preparation: No special preparation is needed.

Why Consider This Test

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You may already be at risk

According to researchers, 1 in 4 people are affected by NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. This test determines if you’re at risk for liver damage (specifically liver fibrosis or liver scarring) connected to other cardiometabolic conditions2 you may have, and can give your healthcare provider valuable insights to inform your care. 

According to researchers, 1 in 4 people are affected by NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance. This test determines if you’re at risk for liver damage (specifically liver fibrosis or liver scarring) connected to other cardiometabolic conditions2 you may have, and can give your healthcare provider valuable insights to inform your care. 

When caught in the early stages of disease, NAFLD and even NASH can sometimes be reversed – the earlier you know your risk factors or indicators of a disease, the sooner you can get the care you need.

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Healthy habits for a healthy you

Assessing your liver health is an important step in taking care of your body. Habits such as exercise, your diet, or drinking too much can all have different impacts on the health of your liver. This liver health test gives key insights to get you on the right track on the journey to a healthier you. 

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Based on the latest guidelines

The American College of Gastroenterology,  American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, and the American Diabetes Association recommend the FIB-4 calculation score as a simple, accurate, noninvasive initial screening test for those with certain risk factors for liver fibrosis:

The American College of Gastroenterology, American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, and the American Diabetes Association recommend the FIB-4 calculation score as a simple, accurate, noninvasive initial screening test for those with certain risk factors for liver fibrosis:

 

·         Obesity

·         Metabolic syndrome

·         Type 2 Diabetes or prediabetes

·         Hepatic steatosis (evidence of fatty liver) on any imaging study

·         Elevated ALT or AST levels (persistent for over 6 months)

 

In conjunction with this test, those with significant risk factors should be screened for NAFLD and advanced fibrosis under the guidance of a health care provider.

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References:

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH). Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH. Last reviewed April 2021. Accessed May 15, 2023.https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts.

2. American Heart Association. About Metabolic Syndrome. www.heart.org. 2016. Accessed May 15, 2023. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome.

3. Rinella ME, Lazarus JV, Ratziu V, et al. A multi-society Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature. Hepatology. 2023.

3. Cusi K, Isaacs S, Barb D, et al. American Association of Clinical Endocrinology Clinical Practice Guideline for the Diagnosis and Management of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Primary Care and Endocrinology Clinical Settings: Co-Sponsored by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). Endocr Pract. 2022;28(5):528-562. doi:10.1016/j.eprac.2022.03.010

4. ElSayed NA, Aleppo G, Aroda VR, et al. Comprehensive Medical Evaluation and Assessment of Comorbidities: Standards of Care in Diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care. 2022;46(Supplement_1):S49-S67. doi: https://doi.org/10.2337/dc23-s004

5. Nassir F, Rector RS, Hammoud GM, Ibdah JA. Pathogenesis and Prevention of Hepatic Steatosis. Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2015;11(3):167-175.

What Does This Test Measure?

 

The Liver Health Test informs you about your estimated risk of liver fibrosis (scar tissue). Using a combination of your age and blood test results, the FIB-4 calculation generates a number, or a “score.” This score can help you and your healthcare provider determine your risk of developing liver fibrosis which is a potential complication of a variety of liver conditions including NAFLD, Hep B, Hep C and others.

 

While the FIB-4 test does not measure other factors that are important for the diagnosis of NAFLD and NASH1, it’s an excellent starting point for discussion with your provider and can help get you on the right track if further testing and evaluation is needed.

 

Like many diseases, the names and descriptions used can change over time. It should be noted that the terminology for NASH and NAFLD are in the process of being updated to better reflect the underlying cause of the disease.3 You may see or hear Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) being used by your healthcare provider. 

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What's Tested
  • Bilirubin

    A waste product produced by the liver as it breaks down red blood cells.

  • Total Protein

    The total amount of proteins (including albumin) found in the blood that helps determine overall nutritional status.

  • Albumin

    The main protein that circulates in the blood.

  • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

    An enzyme found mostly in the cells of the liver and kidney.

  • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

    An enzyme found in the cells throughout the body but primarily in the cells of the liver.

  • Alkaline Phosphatase

    An enzyme found in the cells of the liver and other tissue.

  • Platelets

    Blood cells that help your body form clots to stop bleeding.

  • FIB-4

    A score calculated based on age, platelet count, AST and ALT levels to detect liver fibrosis.

How It Works

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Purchase Your Test

Simply purchase this test online. A healthcare provider will review and approve your test requests; no healthcare provider visit is required.
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Provide Your Sample

Visit a Labcorp location near you for sample collection. Visits may be scheduled online.
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Get Your Results

View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.

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FAQ

  • If you are wondering about your current liver health status, this test may be right for you.

    If you have risk factors for MASLD (previously NAFLD) or MASH (previously NASH) such as:
    • Obesity
    • Prediabetes
    • Type 2 diabetes

    • More than two of the following features of metabolic syndrome:
                    -High blood glucose (sugar)

                    -Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol

                    -Excess body fat around the waist

                    -High levels of triglycerides (a type of “bad” cholesterol)

                    -High blood pressure4

     

    Speak with your healthcare provider about your risk based on these and other factors.

     

    MASLD (previously NAFLD) or MASH (previously NASH)  are considered “silent” diseases because often symptoms may not appear until disease has progressed. That’s why it’s important to screen if you’re at risk for MASLD or MASH.

     

    Note: The FIB-4 score was originally developed and validated in patients between 35 and 65 years of age. There may be a higher risk of false positive results in those greater than 65 years old given that age is part of the calculation. You should speak with your provider about your results.

  • Because liver fibrosis often occurs and progresses in unpredictable ways, consider repeating this test every 1-3 years or as needed based on your provider’s recommendations to monitor your liver health over time. 

  • Abnormal results may indicate that your liver is not working properly and signals potential health problems. You should consult with your health care provider with any abnormal results and/or if you are experiencing concerning symptoms.

     

    • Bilirubin Results: Low levels may be due to taking medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, seizure medications. High levels may be a sign of liver or gallbladder disease, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells, among other conditions.

     

    • Total Protein Results: Age, diet, hydration and stress can affect protein levels, but high or low levels may also be a sign of inflammation, liver disease, and other health conditions.

     

    • Albumin Results: Low levels may be a sign of malnutrition, infection, or liver, thyroid, or kidney disease, among other conditions. Higher than normal levels of albumin could be a result of dehydration.

     

    • ALT Results: High levels could be a sign of liver damage or infection, among other conditions.

     

    • AST Results: High levels could be a sign of liver damage or liver inflammation, among other conditions.

     

    • Alkaline Phosphatase Results: High levels of ALP have various potential causes and may be a sign of liver, gallbladder, or bone disease.

     

    • Platelet Results: Low levels can lead to bleeding risk and may be due to a variety of causes, such as liver disease, infections, certain medications (such as aspirin, H2 blockers, quinidine, sulfa antibiotics, some diuretics), or bone marrow disorders. High levels may be caused by inflammation, anemia or a bone marrow disorder, among other causes.

     

    • FIB-4 Score and Results:
    •     A FIB-4 score between 0 – 1.29 indicates a low risk for advanced liver fibrosis.
    •     A FIB-4 score between 1.30 – 2.67 indicates an indeterminate or moderate risk for advanced liver fibrosis. You should follow up with your health care provider. Your health care provider may recommend additional tests such as imaging for further assessment.
    •     A FIB-4 score greater than 2.67 indicates a high risk for advanced fibrosis and for development of other liver-related complications. You should follow up with your health care provider. Your health care provider may recommend additional tests such as imaging and/or refer you to a liver specialist for further work up, which may include a liver biopsy.

     

    Abnormal liver function due to MASLD is common in diabetes. People with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and/or hypertension have a higher risk of developing MASLD and MASH. No single test can diagnose MASLD or MASH (a provider makes this clinical diagnosis).

     

    This test is not intended to diagnose any liver disease or condition associated with liver disease. Knowing your risk is the first step to taking control of the disease.

  • It may take years for symptoms to develop, but eventual symptoms may include:

    • Fatigue
    • Abdominal discomfort
    • Jaundice (skin yellowing)
    • Generalized itching

     

    Because these symptoms are commonly associated with a number of other conditions, early screening is vital to early intervention.

  • Because cardiometabolic diseases like MASLD (previously NAFLD), MASH (previously NASH), diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart disease cover a wide range of organs and systems, you are encouraged to discuss testing with your provider and/or consider taking a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test. A CMP test measures key enzymes in your blood for valuable information on your metabolism, liver and kidneys, including:

     

    • Glucose (blood sugar)
    • Calcium
    • Total protein
    • Sodium
    • Potassium
    • Tests related to your kidneys and liver health
    • eGFR (a calculation based on a few factors that estimates your kidney function)


    Labcorp OnDemand offers a convenient CMP that you can order today. Share the results of this test with your provider to determine if further tests or examinations are necessary.

  • There are things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of liver disease and other health issues. This includes adopting or maintaining a healthier lifestyle:

     

    • Maintaining a healthy weight (even a 3-10% reduction in total body weight can make an impact)
    • Eat a well-balanced diet
    • Reducing total cholesterol levels
    • Control diabetes
    • Stop or cut back on drinking alcohol
    • Exercise regularly

    • Are there medications or supplements that can hurt my liver?
    • Do I need further testing based on my results?
    • What are my treatment options?
    • What are the benefits and risks of different tests or treatments?
    • Is there anything I can do myself to stop the disease from getting worse?

  • Visit the Labcorp OnDemand website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp OnDemand account. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires a healthcare provider order; for your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with PWNHealth LLC and its affiliated professional entities (collectively, PWNHealth) to provide healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready to be accessed through your Labcorp OnDemand account or through your Labcorp Patient account. 

  • Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

  • Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also provided to PWNHealth, which provides professional healthcare provider services for OnDemand tests. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, or federal health authority, but only when legally required. For example, many states require the testing laboratory and healthcare provider to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases or COVID-19, to local or state health departments. 

     

    If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

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