Frequently Asked Questions

• Who should take this test?

  If you are wondering about your current liver health status, this test may be right for you. If you have risk factors for MASLD (previously NAFLD) or MASH (previously NASH) such as: • Obesity • Prediabetes • Type 2 diabetes • More than two of the following features of metabolic syndrome:                 -High blood glucose (sugar)                 -Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol                 -Excess body fat around the waist                 -High levels of triglycerides (a type of “bad” cholesterol)                 -High blood pressure4   Speak with your healthcare provider about your risk based on these and other factors.   MASLD (previously NAFLD) or MASH (previously NASH)  are considered “silent” diseases because often symptoms may not appear until disease has progressed. That’s why it’s important to screen if you’re at risk for MASLD or MASH.   Note: The FIB-4 score was originally developed and validated in patients between 35 and 65 years of age. There may be a higher risk of false positive results in those greater than 65 years old given that age is part of the calculation. You should speak with your provider about your results.

• How often should I take this test?

  Because liver fibrosis often occurs and progresses in unpredictable ways, consider repeating this test every 1-3 years or as needed based on your provider’s recommendations to monitor your liver health over time.

• What will my results tell me?

  Abnormal results may indicate that your liver is not working properly and signals potential health problems. You should consult with your health care provider with any abnormal results and/or if you are experiencing concerning symptoms.   Bilirubin Results: Low levels may be due to taking medications such as antibiotics, oral contraceptives, seizure medications. High levels may be a sign of liver or gallbladder disease, or excessive breakdown of red blood cells, among other conditions.   Total Protein Results: Age, diet, hydration and stress can affect protein levels, but high or low levels may also be a sign of inflammation, liver disease, and other health conditions.   Albumin Results: Low levels may be a sign of malnutrition, infection, or liver, thyroid, or kidney disease, among other conditions. Higher than normal levels of albumin could be a result of dehydration.   ALT Results: High levels could be a sign of liver damage or infection, among other conditions.   AST Results: High levels could be a sign of liver damage or liver inflammation, among other conditions.   Alkaline Phosphatase Results: High levels of ALP have various potential causes and may be a sign of liver, gallbladder, or bone disease.   Platelet Results: Low levels can lead to bleeding risk and may be due to a variety of causes, such as liver disease, infections, certain medications (such as aspirin, H2 blockers, quinidine, sulfa antibiotics, some diuretics), or bone marrow disorders. High levels may be caused by inflammation, anemia or a bone marrow disorder, among other causes.   FIB-4 Score and Results:    A FIB-4 score between 0 – 1.29 indicates a low risk for advanced liver fibrosis.    A FIB-4 score between 1.30 – 2.67 indicates an indeterminate or moderate risk for advanced liver fibrosis. You should follow up with your health care provider. Your health care provider may recommend additional tests such as imaging for further assessment.    A FIB-4 score greater than 2.67 indicates a high risk for advanced fibrosis and for development of other liver-related complications. You should follow up with your health care provider. Your health care provider may recommend additional tests such as imaging and/or refer you to a liver specialist for further work up, which may include a liver biopsy.   Abnormal liver function due to MASLD is common in diabetes. People with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and/or hypertension have a higher risk of developing MASLD and MASH. No single test can diagnose MASLD or MASH (a provider makes this clinical diagnosis).   This test is not intended to diagnose any liver disease or condition associated with liver disease. Knowing your risk is the first step to taking control of the disease.

• What are symptoms of Liver Disease, MASLD (previously NAFLD) and MASH (previously NASH)?

  It may take years for symptoms to develop, but eventual symptoms may include: FatigueAbdominal discomfortJaundice (skin yellowing)Generalized itching   Because these symptoms are commonly associated with a number of other conditions, early screening is vital to early intervention.

• What additional tests should I consider?

  Because cardiometabolic diseases like MASLD (previously NAFLD), MASH (previously NASH), diabetes, cardiovascular disease and heart disease cover a wide range of organs and systems, you are encouraged to discuss testing with your provider and/or consider taking a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) test. A CMP test measures key enzymes in your blood for valuable information on your metabolism, liver and kidneys, including:   Glucose (blood sugar)CalciumTotal proteinSodiumPotassiumTests related to your kidneys and liver healtheGFR (a calculation based on a few factors that estimates your kidney function) Labcorp OnDemand offers a convenient CMP that you can order today. Share the results of this test with your provider to determine if further tests or examinations are necessary.

• What are some ways I can reduce my risk of liver disease, MASLD and MASH?

  There are things you can start doing now to reduce your risk of liver disease and other health issues. This includes adopting or maintaining a healthier lifestyle:   Maintaining a healthy weight (even a 3-10% reduction in total body weight can make an impact)Eat a well-balanced dietReducing total cholesterol levelsControl diabetes Stop or cut back on drinking alcoholExercise regularly

• What are some questions to ask my health care provider?

  Are there medications or supplements that can hurt my liver?Do I need further testing based on my results?What are my treatment options?What are the benefits and risks of different tests or treatments?Is there anything I can do myself to stop the disease from getting worse?

• How accurate is this testing?

  Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.

• Are my test results private and confidential?

  Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also made available through a secure portal to the independent healthcare provider who placed your test order.  If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient™ account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, and/or federal health authority; for example, many states require the testing laboratory and physician to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as COVID-19, to local or state health departments.   If you have questions or comments regarding the Labcorp Notice of Privacy Practices, or have a complaint about our use or disclosure of your PHI or our privacy practices, please contact: privacyofficer@labcorp.com, call us at (877) 234-4722 (877-23-HIPAA) and ask for the Labcorp HIPAA Privacy Officer, or send a written request to: HIPAA Privacy Officer, Labcorp, 531 South Spring Street, Burlington, NC 27215. You also may file a complaint with the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

• How does Labcorp OnDemand® work?

  Visit the Labcorp OnDemand® website to browse and purchase laboratory tests and create your Labcorp Patient™ account to view your results. All Labcorp OnDemand testing requires an order from an authorized healthcare professional. For your convenience, Labcorp OnDemand has contracted with independent professional entities (collectively, Providers) to deliver healthcare provider services. Visit a Labcorp location for sample collection; or, if using an at-home collection kit, collect your sample yourself. We’ll let you know when your results are ready and can be accessed through your Labcorp Patient™ account.