Fibrosure Test

has anyone had one and what exaclty will this tell my doc?  he doesnt think i need another biop right now, my first and only one was 4 years ago, stage 2 grade 2 ... i was drinking pretty heavily up until 4 years ago when i foudn out about this, my ast/alt is normal now, im taking mT and liv52 daily, organic food, lots of water, etc...

just saw him yesterday for my annual review of all my blood work etc, getting this test along with all my other bloodwork checked and also an ultrasound...  i treated 2-3 years ago with virimadine on a phase iii trial but was dropped because it wasnt working, my dr might try and get me in one of the new trials now but i guess im a non-responder so...

[sunshine585]

I haven't had one myself, but apparently, it's a noninvasive alternative to a liver bx. From what I've heard gives the same results re fibrosis and necroinflammation as biopsy, thus eliminating the need for liver bx. I live in Vancouver, and apparently we got one in last fall. I think that has been used in Europe for a few yrs. Hope that helps.
          S

[pjhep80]

ya wayyyyy less invasive, its just a blood test....

[NancyPF]

I got a Fibrospect test instead of biopsy, which is the same thing, and it's good at diagnosing no fibrosis and cirrhosis, but a little vague in the middle stages.  It's very new so not used a lot yet.  Be careful, because my insurance is refusing to cover it because it's not mainstream yet.  And it's EXPENSIVE!!!

Nancy

[foofighter]

I think people are confusing the blood test with the Echosens Fibroscan. I think if you just search for Fibrosure or Fibrospect you will see at least a few threads.

My hepatologist wouldn't order one when I asked. Even when there was a discrepancy with my results. I changed docs.

Good luck!

Foo

[justme53]

I asked to have a serum marker test run in 2006 since I had no medical insurance then, and at the time, it seemed the right thing to do. My gastro refused to run it, but  my GP agreed, so I had a Fibrospect II (Prometheus Labs) run. At the time, it cost just over  $300.00, but since I paid cash, the price dropped to ~$150.00.. My results were discouraging, an index of 68, or "consistent with Metavir" F2-F4.

Knowing that the test is less precise in the middle ranges, left me with more questions than answers. I recall one member posting results in the  60's, where their later liver BX showed stage/grade 1, if I recall correctly.

In hindsight, I would shoot for the biopsy or a fibroscan, if available, to get straight to the heart of the matter...and move forward from there.

Best wishes in whatever path you take, Pam