Does ELF Blood Test give an accurate score if you are still Drinking?

[Hanc]

Hi All,

Just as the title says does the ELF blood test give an accurate representation of the amount of liver fibrosis in your liver at that particular time if you are still drinking, and hence give you a chance to do something about it or would it give a more accurate reading if you abstained for a while. Thanks for any opinions as I know this is a relatively new test. I am not asking for medical advice just opinions. Thanks.

[AyrshireK]

This is a quote I found on a medical site re. the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test.

“The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test and FibroTest are highly accurate serum markers to assess patients with a prior or current alcohol overuse for advanced fibrosis. While ultrasound elastography has higher diagnostic accuracy if a reliable measurement can be obtained, serum markers may be more accessible to primary and secondary care.” – by Talitha Bennett

Full page details are:- healio.com/hepatology/steat...

[Hanc in reply to AyrshireK]

Thank you very much for the kind reply AyrshireK, the reason I am asking is that I have access to the test and have just weened myself off a 3 month relapse of heavy drinking and I was wondering wether if asking for the for the test now after just stopping drinking would give a different score than if I waited for say a month. I would kind of like to ask for the test now to see what state my liver may be in. Thanks for your help.

[Hidden in reply to Hanc]

Have a word with your real doctor, much better than Google.

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely Snoutie I was just wondering wether to ask him now or wait a while after drinking. Thanks for your kind reply, much appreciated.

[chrisw740 in reply to Hanc]

Hanc, Kate's response was complete .... Its a good test and like all liver tests it's at it best when assessed alongside other tests - including the ones you have had already. The markers it measures are a good indicater of fibrosis... Fibrosis is not cirrhosis and good imaging should always accompany measurements of fibrosis /stiffness... but again, Kate's link is sound.

[Hanc in reply to chrisw740]

Thanks for the good advice chrisw740, much appreciated.

[chrisw740 in reply to Hanc]

You're welcome... Guilt about what we do and have done can undermine our hope, seff worth and logic but the calm reality of 'it not being that bad' remains.

Very best. Chris

[Hanc in reply to chrisw740]

Thanks chrisw740, much appreciated.

[Hidden in reply to Hanc]

Always be honest and unlike online, they will be able to access your records and make the appropriate decisions. I never came across any sort of ‘you brought this on yourself’ attitude, just wise and caring decisions. My records read like a list of (self) shame.

Good luck,

Mark

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Snoutie, you're right I never see any point in lying about my drinking to my G.P, especially if you want the right decisions, Thanks for your kind reply. All the best.

[Hidden in reply to Hanc]

You would only be kidding yourself, thanks Hanc, I really hope that things get better for you.

Mark

[Hanc in reply to Hidden]

Thanks again Snoutie, I really appreciate that.

[Owlie]

Hi Hanc, my initial ELF test 4 months ago was very high together with raised EFT’s and ultrasound elastography and fibroscan confirmed fat in my liver. I was terrified and the shock spurred me into action. My ELF test and LFT’s are now all in the normal range after changing my lifestyle. This is what I did:

30 mins a day cross trainer

30 mins a day strengths training all done at home on my own using YouTube videos.

Food: I cut out all processed food, red meat, white carbs and eat only fresh. No fried food only grilled.

A typical day for me consists of:

Breakfast: banana/blueberries/strawberries

Lunch: Homemade tuna salad or fish with veg

Dinner: salmon fillet with veg usually peas, mushrooms, carrots, sprouts, sweet corn.

Snacks throughout the day raw carrot, banana or fresh fruit is necessary.

I don’t drink alcohol as I don’t like it, I just drink water no tea or coffee.

It is never too late to do something about it but you do need to see a Doctor. If caught in time you can do something about it, if not then you should be able to prevent things getting worse - so my Doctor told me anyway.

Good luck and keep us updated.

Owlie x

[Hanc in reply to Owlie]

Thanks for your very kind and informative reply Owlie, that's what I was wondering about the ELF Test, wether or not still drinking or Fatty Liver would skew the results, I thought it was a Blood Test to show the amount of fibrosis in the liver and was wondering if still drinking or Fatty Liver would give a skewed result and if I should leave it a few months before having the Test done. Thanks for the very kind information. All the best.