New Rapid Blood Test To Pick Up Early Liver Disease

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A blood test that flags up early-stage liver disease before it can cause any permanent damage is being developed by scientists in Britain. The condition, which is generally triggered by obesity, affects 20 million adults in the UK and initially causes no symptoms, making it hard to spot until it is too late.

Current liver function blood tests are able to pick up the disease only in later stages, by which time damage to the organ may be irreversible. But with the new test – which takes just minutes to perform – doctors can detect the condition long before this point and when simple lifestyle changes can reverse it.

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Current diagnostic methods for liver fibrosis require a biopsy, which is an invasive procedure that involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for analysis. This can be uncomfortable for patients and can take several days to produce results. However, the new rapid blood test is non-invasive and can produce results in just a few minutes.

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The screening could be offered as a routine part of mid-life health MOTs carried out by GPs. Liver disease is caused by a build-up of fat and inflammation. Ultimately this can lead to organ failure, leaving patients in need of a transplant and raising the risk of liver cancer.

Professor Geltrude Mingrone, an expert in diabetes and nutrition at King’s College London, said: ‘Liver disease is a silent killer – it doesn’t have any symptoms until the later stages. This means people are often unaware of having it until the condition becomes life-threatening.

‘Current blood tests cannot pick up the tell-tale signs. ‘With the new blood test, we will be able to diagnose patients years sooner and help them to lose weight, reversing liver damage.’

The new blood test needs to be put through large-scale clinical trials before it can be approved by UK health chiefs, but Professor Mingrone says: ‘I hope it can be available in the next year or two.’ Fabio Onofrio, 40, from London took part in an early trial of the blood test in 2020 after a biopsy revealed a risk of permanent liver damage.

The restaurant owner had struggled with his weight since he was a teenager and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in early 2020. After the biopsy, he was given a new blood test which confirmed early-stage disease. He then underwent weight-loss surgery and has since lost six stones.

He says: ‘My diagnosis was the key reason I decided to lose weight. If more people could get hold of a simple blood test to let them know their risk, I think it could make a big difference to their lives.’

The test uses a combination of biomarkers to detect liver fibrosis, including proteins and enzymes that are present in the blood when the liver is damaged. The biomarkers are measured using a simple finger-prick blood test, and the results are analyzed using a handheld device that provides immediate results.

The new test has the potential to revolutionize the way liver disease is diagnosed and managed. Early detection is key to successful treatment, and the rapid blood test can detect liver fibrosis before it progresses to more serious forms of liver disease. This can allow for earlier intervention, potentially preventing the need for more invasive procedures and improving patient outcomes.

It’s important to note that the test is still in the early stages of development and has not yet been approved for widespread use. However, it shows promise as a valuable tool for detecting liver disease and improving patient outcomes. Patients who are concerned about their liver health should speak with their healthcare provider about whether the rapid blood test is appropriate for them.

In conclusion, liver disease is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that can be difficult to diagnose in its early stages. The new rapid blood test for liver fibrosis offers a non-invasive and quick way to detect early signs of liver disease, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life. With further research and development, this test could become a valuable tool in the fight against liver disease.