The ELF test is a simple, accurate, minimally-invasive blood test for measuring liver damage (known as fibrosis). It offers a quick straightforward method of providing valuable information:
- Minimal or no patient discomfort
- Identifies significant liver disease
Because ELF uses a blood sample rather than a biopsy, it can be used routinely for the same patient over time.
The ELF test - Three serum biomarkers
The ELF test combines three serum biomarkers which have been shown to correlate to the level of liver fibrosis assessed by liver biopsy. These biomarkers include:
- Hyaluronic acid (HA)
- Procollagen III amino terminal peptide (PIIINP)
- Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1)
The algorithm measures each of these markers by immunoassay, to create an ELF score. Sampling for the ELF test can be performed in a physician’s office or health center.
Education Information
What is liver fibrosis?
Non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis
The ELF Program
External Links
www.iQur.com website
*The ELF test is only available outside the US
"The discovery of the ELF markers represents a significant advance in the diagnosis of patients with liver disease. Of particular benefit, the ELF test can help diagnose patients with mild-to-moderate liver fibrosis, which is usually asymptomatic, so that clinicians are able to intervene before significant damage to the liver occurs."
William Rosenberg, MD
Centre for Hepatology
University College London