FibroTest/ActiTest

[HealthyChik]

Has anyone had a blood test called FibroTest/ActiTest? It takes several days to come back from the lab and it is supposed to be a predictor of fibrosis. From my understanding, it's a series of 6 serum tests and you get a calculated score indicating the likelihood of liver damage. I've just never heard of it🤷🏻‍♀️

[gwillistexas]

Hello. I googled it and read the link “Mayo Clinic Laboratories”. It is explained very well. 😊

[HealthyChik in reply to gwillistexas]

Thank you. I saw that too. I just wondered why he had not ordered it before now because it sounds useful. I also have never seen anyone on this forum mention it. Always learning something. Hope you are doing well😊💕

[gwillistexas in reply to HealthyChik]

You’re welcome. Maybe you can ask him at your next visit, what prompted him to check it. I don’t remember seeing it here either. I’m all about learning, whether it applies to me or not. Love to research. Yes I’m doing well. Thank you 😊

[HealthyChik in reply to gwillistexas]

I'm not sure why he ordered it and he didn't mention it to me. I just happened to notice it in my patient portal along with my routine labs. It was "pending" so I called and asked his nurse about it. She also explained that it takes a few days to come back. I guess I'll see the results soon but will probably have no idea what it all means..so more research and questions for him..lol

[gwillistexas in reply to HealthyChik]

My internist slipped one in on me too. In my last labs he also did an immunofixation panel. No clue as to why. I’m due the big labs November 8th. I see he and my hepatologist on 15th. I’ll find out why.

[Ellyne in reply to gwillistexas]

Hi

Gail, I had that panel as well. They are checking for antibodies where blood is manufactured. I had a response and I was sent to a hematologist who did further testing and after one year of checking with him, he said my proportion of antibodies were within the normal range and that was the end of it.

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

Yes ma’am, I searched it and I found that. My numbers were off but internist didn’t contact me. When I see my internist on the 15th I am going to question it. I see my hepatologist the same day and I’ll definitely discuss with him. I don’t like to see a lab results that is off and feel it is ignored. Makes you wonder why they bother to run a test if they’re not going to follow up.

What did your hematologist do?

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

I just looked at results again. Alpha 1 & Alpha 2 slightly elevated. Immunoglobulin elevated.

[Ellyne in reply to gwillistexas]

He ran more extensive tests with a follow up in 6 months with repeat testing.

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

Thank you. Looks like I’m in for more tests and possibly a hematologist. I’ll let you know 😊

[Ellyne in reply to gwillistexas]

👍🏾

[sophiaS1980 in reply to HealthyChik]

I have heard of it, very reliable test.

[Ellyne in reply to gwillistexas]

Just saw your question about immunofixation serum. It was immuno A. A faint Free Lamda monoclonal free light chain band was detected.

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

Mine was M with faint banding in LAMBDA Lane without clear or unequivocal monoclonal protein. I’m pretty worried about it. He hasn’t mentioned hematologist just yet. Not sure what he’s waiting on. My result can suggest several different things but I’m most concerned with multiple myeloma.

[Ellyne in reply to gwillistexas]

Of course. That was exactly my concern. But with much further testing, the hematologist said I was ok.

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

Hopefully I will see a hematologist sooner than later. Thank you so much.

😊

[gwillistexas in reply to Ellyne]

It is said the monoclonal protein can occur in several of the autoimmune diseases , among a never ending list if other diseases.

[iagra]

I read the Mayo Clinic article mayocliniclabs.com/test-cat...

It doesn't say that this particular test is used in PBC cases.

[HealthyChik in reply to iagra]

I noticed that too, but I suppose since it's a predictor of fibrosis that it may be appropriate. I'm definitely curious about the results and will have lots of questions for my doc.

[claygi]

Yes, I’ve been given this test. My internist ordered it to look at the level of fibrosis I have related to my PBC. According to the results I’m at stage 0-1. Which I question because when I was given a MRE at UCLA at the Pfleger Liver Institute by my hepatologist, and it came back at stage 2-3. I believe I’ve had PBC since 2014 and being 2-3 would make more sense. Although, I’d take stage 0-1!

[HealthyChik in reply to claygi]

I've had a similar experience. I had a Fibroscan first that said stage 2-3. About 3 months after that I had an MRE that came back stage 0-1. I haven't had a biopsy as my hepatologist didn't think it would provide much info. I suppose the FibroTest is just another way of getting another guess at staging..lol. I'm due for my yearly MRE in January and just hoping there have been no changes. Thanks for your reply😊💕

[StopPBC in reply to claygi]

Do you have a doctor at UCLA that you would recommend?

[claygi in reply to StopPBC]

I see Dr. Stephen Huy Han. He’s great.

[StopPBC in reply to claygi]

Thanks for sharing that info. Appreciate it.

[anoush]

I had that test because I was on blood thinner and couldn't have a liver biopsy. It's a test to check if your liver is scarred yet from your PBC and to help with staging. Lab Corp developed it is my understanding. I've read they are starting to get away from biopsies because of the risks and not hitting all areas affected by the disease not to mention it hurts like hell! I've had one in the past for a problem unrelated to PBC

[HealthyChik in reply to anoush]

Thank you. I'm very curious to get my results. Although my labs are within normal range, I still have a fear of the fibrosis progressing as some on here have experienced.

[anoush]

Of course, you're very welcome and I wish you the best ☺

[HealthyChik]

Just an update...results came back with a stage 0. So thankful🙌