Infectious disease, HCV, six biochemical assays (ALT, A2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A-1, total bilirubin, GGT, and haptoglobin) utilizing serum, prognostic algorithm reported as scores for fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity in liver
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Infectious Disease, HCV Six Biochemical Assays for Fibrosis and Necroinflammatory Activity Assessment
Summary
This procedure involves analyzing a blood sample for six specific biochemical markers to assess liver health in patients with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). The results are used to calculate scores indicating the level of fibrosis (scarring) and necroinflammatory activity (liver cell damage and inflammation).
Purpose
The procedure is designed to assess and monitor the liver health of patients with HCV. It aims to detect the extent of liver fibrosis and inflammation, providing crucial information for treatment planning and prognostication.
Indications
- Diagnosed with Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection.
- Symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as jaundice or fatigue.
- Elevated liver enzyme levels in prior blood tests.
- Doctors need to evaluate liver fibrosis and inflammation to guide treatment decisions.
Preparation
- Fasting for at least 8 hours before the blood draw.
- Disclose all current medications to the healthcare provider.
- May require other diagnostic tests like ultrasound imaging beforehand.
Procedure Description
- A healthcare professional draws a blood sample from a vein, typically in the arm.
- The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
- Six biochemical assays are performed: Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT), Alpha-2 Macroglobulin, Apolipoprotein A-1, Total Bilirubin, Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), and Haptoglobin.
- A prognostic algorithm processes the results to produce scores for liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity.
Duration
The blood draw itself takes about 5-10 minutes. The overall time from blood draw to getting results may take several days.
Setting
The blood draw can be performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a diagnostic lab.
Personnel
- Phlebotomist or nurse for drawing blood.
- Laboratory technicians for analyzing the blood sample.
- Physician or hepatologist to interpret the results and discuss them with the patient.
Risks and Complications
- Minor risks such as bruising, infection, or lightheadedness at the blood draw site.
- Rarely, fainting during the blood draw.
Benefits
- Provides a non-invasive method to assess liver fibrosis and inflammation.
- Helps guide treatment decisions.
- Monitors disease progression or improvement with therapy.
Recovery
- No specific recovery time is needed.
- Trove healthy fluids and rest if feeling lightheaded post blood draw.
- Follow-up schedules determined by healthcare provider based on results.
Alternatives
- Liver biopsy: Provides precise results but is invasive and carries risks like bleeding and infection.
- Imaging techniques like FibroScan®: Non-invasive but may be less specific for certain liver conditions.
Patient Experience
During the blood draw, you might feel a slight prick or mild discomfort. Post-procedure, there may be minor bruising at the puncture site. Results and interpretation will be provided by your healthcare provider, which may involve a follow-up visit to discuss the next steps in your care plan.