Fibrosis-4 Panel

The Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) panel is a simple, non-invasive way for doctors to estimate how much scarring or fibrosis there is in a patient’s liver. It’s a vital medical tool that helps healthcare professionals understand the risk of advanced liver fibrosis, especially in patients with chronic liver conditions, such as chronic hepatitis B or C, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Doctors get a patient’s FIB-4 score from common blood tests: AST (aspartate aminotransferase), SGPT ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and platelet count. These numbers are plugged into a simple formula that determines a low or high score, meaning the likelihood of liver fibrosis.

Fibrosis-4 Panel Test Cost Overview

While prices for the Fibrosis-4 panel test can differ across various laboratories and countries, at Medi Linx, specific pricing for the FIB-4 panel is generally dependent on the individual costs of its components: AST, ALT, platelet count, and age.

The overall cost of a FIB-4 panel will depend on the sum of these individual blood tests, plus any consultation or facility fees. You can also check an executive check-up package cost and see if it includes the necessary components for a FIB-4 panel test.

Who Should Get a Fibrosis-4 Panel Test

Individuals With Chronic Liver Conditions

• Patients diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis (like Hepatitis B or C). Note: get checked for HBsAg to detect if you have this condition.
• Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or its more severe form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• People with other ongoing liver diseases.

Monitoring Liver Health

• To help track the progression of known liver disease
• To assess the effectiveness of current treatments for liver conditions

Screening for Liver Scarring

• An initial part of screening for liver scarring (fibrosis or cirrhosis) without needing a liver biopsy right away.
• When your doctor suspects liver damage based on other routine check-ups or symptoms.

Risk Assessment

• To help determine who has a high risk for advanced liver disease and other complications.

Fibrosis-4 Panel Test Process

Here’s a simple breakdown of the Fibrosis-4 Panel Test:

1. Doctor’s Order: Your doctor should tell you if you need a Fibrosis-4 panel based on your medical history and current health status. They will then order the necessary blood tests.
2. Blood Sample Collection: Visit a clinic or laboratory to get your blood drawn. This is a routine procedure, much like any other blood test.
3. Laboratory Analysis: The blood sample is sent to the laboratory where they will analyze and measure levels of AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and platelet count.

FAQs

Is FIB-4 a type of liver biopsy?

No, FIB-4 is a non-invasive blood test score used to estimate liver scarring.

Is fasting required for a FIB-4 panel test?

Fasting is not generally required for the AST, ALT, and platelet count blood tests. However, your doctor may give you specific instructions if there are other blood tests being drawn at the same time.

Assess Your Liver Health with the FIB-4 Panel Test at Medi Linx

Has your doctor recommended a Fibrosis-4 Panel Test to assess your liver health? Trust Medi Linx Laboratory in Quezon City for all your laboratory needs. Get fast, accurate, and affordable results that provide essential insights into your liver’s condition. Contact us today to schedule your test!