Hep C Discussion Forum

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
Chatbox
Please log in to join the chat!
Hep C Discussion Forum -> General Discussion -> Does blood test show cirrosis? or do you have to do a biopsy???
Post Info TOPIC: Does blood test show cirrosis? or do you have to do a biopsy???
runrex


Newbie

Status: Offline
Posts: 1
Date:
RE: Does blood test show cirrosis? or do you have to do a biopsy???
Permalink  
 

I had my fibro test done in 2008.  It was covered by my cigna insurance.  I had 0 fibrosis.  I had a copay of $100.  I also had a standard biopsy in 2004.  also showed no fibrosis.  



__________________
Uval951


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 38
Date:
Permalink  
 

Even FibroSURE test is not approved by FDA, my insurence (Horizon) had covered the test fully (no co-pay).



__________________

 

Gen. 1b. 1st Tx in 2003 Rib/Peg. Biopsy F3-F4; 2nd Tx started 2/28/12, Pegasys+RibaPak+Victrelis for 48 weeks. VL: 260,000 (starting), 125,600 (4 weeks), UND-weeks 6-45.EOT 1/7/13 after 45 full weeks. Post Tx 4,12,24 weeks -UND  SVR!
mallani


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3398
Date:
Permalink  
 

Hi guys, Fibrosure and Fibrospect are blood tests measuring markers for liver fibrosis. They are not widely accepted. Fibroscan measures liver stiffness ( fibrosis) using an ultrasound beam. The results are very accurate for F 0-1, and for F 4 (cirrhosis) but for 1-3 there is some overlap. The results are given as a number in kilopascals . Mine is 31 kp so I have definite cirrhosis. The test is widely available in the US- do an internet search. Not approved, so you have to pay for the test. Not approved in Australia either, and I paid A$400 fot the test in 2008.

It really is a good test, and very useful for followup.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
davesf


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 322
Date:
Permalink  
 

Why do you think it's not used in U.S. if it's a superior scan to CT or Ultrasound?  Lack of insurance reimbursement approval?  Or can't test as many things as the other modalities so not cost effective to purchase another expensive piece of equipment perhaps?



__________________

All Done Poisoning the Dragon that Used to Poison Me

Genotype 1b  Incivek Combo
Uval951


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 38
Date:
Permalink  
 

 

Davesf, you are right, HCV FibroSURE (fibroscan) test has not been cleared or approved by FDA. But FDA has determined that such clearance or approval is not currently required. LabCorp is regulated under CLIA of 1988 and is certified to perform high complexity testing.



__________________

 

Gen. 1b. 1st Tx in 2003 Rib/Peg. Biopsy F3-F4; 2nd Tx started 2/28/12, Pegasys+RibaPak+Victrelis for 48 weeks. VL: 260,000 (starting), 125,600 (4 weeks), UND-weeks 6-45.EOT 1/7/13 after 45 full weeks. Post Tx 4,12,24 weeks -UND  SVR!
davesf


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 322
Date:
Permalink  
 

Working it's slow way through FDA approval.



__________________

All Done Poisoning the Dragon that Used to Poison Me

Genotype 1b  Incivek Combo
Uval951


Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 38
Date:
Permalink  
 

Why is no fibroscan in US? I made fibroscan in 2010 in NJ (LabCorp) and score was 0.75 equal F4 stage. The biopsy in 2012 confirmed F4. But MRI in 2010 did not indicate any cirrhosis marks.



__________________

 

Gen. 1b. 1st Tx in 2003 Rib/Peg. Biopsy F3-F4; 2nd Tx started 2/28/12, Pegasys+RibaPak+Victrelis for 48 weeks. VL: 260,000 (starting), 125,600 (4 weeks), UND-weeks 6-45.EOT 1/7/13 after 45 full weeks. Post Tx 4,12,24 weeks -UND  SVR!
52baddog


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 133
Date:
Permalink  
 

Thanks for your responses. There is no fibroscan in the US. So, I think only

biopsy is the answer.



__________________

Geno type 1b, F1 vl 640,000 enrolled in Gilead's sofosbuvir/ledipasvir -week 1 66, week 2 <25
LanaiSurferGirl


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 232
Date:
Permalink  
 

forgot to say that I did have a biopsy in 2001 which confirmed fibrosis.



__________________

geno 1a, mother & brother also hep c +...mom got a blood transfusion and passed it along.  Started tx with incivik 11/23/11 and brother started 2/8/2012.  Both of us und. at 4,8,12 and me at 24.  I am going 36 wks and brother is going 48 weeks.
LanaiSurferGirl


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 232
Date:
Permalink  
 

biopsy and fibroscan are the best methods.  My diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on the fact that I have portal vein hypertension and splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).  The portal vein hypertesion is a condition in that the blood flow from the portal vein in the liver gets backflow in it and causes platelets to get caught in the spleen...making it enlarged.  I have had low platelets in my blood tests ever since I can remember them checking this back in 1998. 

This diagnosis is the doctor's best guess of the condition of my liver based on this physiology but I have not had a biopsy or fibroscan to confirm it....didn't think it is necessary and it doesn't change the fact that I have hep c.

The biopsy procedure can be very painful for some people as it was for me so I recommend the fibroscan if you can get away with that.  Also, you can have an endoscopy done to check for esophageal varacies (another symptom of cirrhosis).  Mine was clear so if it is clear it doesn't rule out cirrhosis but your chances of not having it are better. :)

good luck

Meghan



__________________

geno 1a, mother & brother also hep c +...mom got a blood transfusion and passed it along.  Started tx with incivik 11/23/11 and brother started 2/8/2012.  Both of us und. at 4,8,12 and me at 24.  I am going 36 wks and brother is going 48 weeks.
mallani


Guru

Status: Offline
Posts: 3398
Date:
Permalink  
 

There is no specific blood test for cirrhosis. I recently did a post regarding cirrhosis. The only definite diagnosis of cirrhosis can be made from a liver biopsy showing Grade 4 Fibrosis. A high Fibroscan reading gives a high probability.



__________________

Geno 1b, IL28B CT,  x3 prior relapser,  ex-cirrhotic, 75 yo, did 48 weeks with Victrelis/Peg./Riba.  VL 1.28m at start, UNDET. at 8 ,12 ,16 ,24 ,30  and 48 weeks.  EOT 15 Feb 2013 , UNDET. at EOT + 28 weeks. SVR!  Still Undet. at EOT +5 years

Malcolm
52baddog


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 133
Date:
Permalink  
 

I need to know if there is a blood test that shows cirrosis, or biopsy is the only way to find out?



__________________

Geno type 1b, F1 vl 640,000 enrolled in Gilead's sofosbuvir/ledipasvir -week 1 66, week 2 <25
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
Hep C Discussion Forum -> General Discussion -> Does blood test show cirrosis? or do you have to do a biopsy???
Legal Disclaimer:

THIS FORUM, IT'S OWNERS, ADMINISTRATORS, MODERATORS AND MEMBERS DO NOT AT ANY TIME GIVE MEDICAL ADVICE AND IN ALL CASES REFER ANYONE HERE TO SEEK APPROPRIATE MEDICAL ADVICE FROM THEIR DOCTOR.