Liver disease, ten biochemical assays (ALT, A2-macroglobulin, apolipoprotein A-1, total bilirubin, GGT, haptoglobin, AST, glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides) utilizing serum, prognostic algorithm reported as quantitative scores for fibrosis, ste
CPT4 code
Name of the Procedure:
Liver Disease Biochemical Assay Panel (including tests for ALT, A2-macroglobulin, Apolipoprotein A-1, Total Bilirubin, GGT, Haptoglobin, AST, Glucose, Total Cholesterol, and Triglycerides) with Prognostic Algorithm
Summary
This procedure involves taking a blood sample from a patient and running ten specific biochemical tests. The results are used to generate quantitative scores that help determine the level of liver fibrosis and the overall liver function.
Purpose
This panel of tests is designed to assess liver health and diagnose liver diseases. The goal is to evaluate the extent of liver fibrosis and provide insight into liver function, helping to guide treatment decisions and determine the prognosis for liver disease patients.
Indications
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Chronic liver conditions (e.g., hepatitis, cirrhosis)
- Monitoring known liver disease progression
Preparation
- Patients may need to fast for a specific period before the blood draw.
- Patients should inform their doctor of all medications and supplements they are taking.
- No alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to the test.
Procedure Description
- A healthcare professional will clean the area (typically the arm) where the blood will be drawn.
- A needle will be inserted into a vein to collect the blood sample into tubes.
- The sample is sent to a laboratory where it undergoes analysis for the panel of ten biochemical assays.
- Results from these tests are input into a prognostic algorithm to generate quantitative scores.
- These scores reflect the degree of liver fibrosis and overall liver function.
Tools and equipment: Sterile needle, blood collection tubes, and lab analysis equipment. Anesthesia or sedation: Not required.
Duration
The blood draw itself takes about 10-15 minutes. Laboratory analysis and algorithm processing typically take several hours to a few days.
Setting
The blood sample is drawn in an outpatient clinic, hospital, or a specialized diagnostic center. The analysis is performed in a clinical laboratory.
Personnel
- Phlebotomist or licensed nurse for blood draw
- Laboratory technicians for analyzing the blood samples
- Consulting physician to interpret the results
Risks and Complications
- Minor pain or bruising at the blood draw site
- Rarely, infection or fainting may occur
- Incorrect test results due to laboratory error
Benefits
- Accurate assessment of liver health
- Helps in identifying the extent of liver fibrosis
- Guides treatment planning and prognostic assessment
- Results are typically available within a few days, leading to quicker medical decision-making
Recovery
No significant recovery period is required. Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw.
Alternatives
- Liver biopsy: Involves taking a tissue sample from the liver, which is more invasive but provides a direct assessment.
- Imaging tests (e.g., ultrasound, MRI): Provide visual information about liver structure but less detail about function.
- Pros and cons: Liver biopsy is more invasive and carries more risk, while imaging tests are less detailed but non-invasive.
Patient Experience
During the blood draw, patients may feel a slight prick or sting. Some may experience minor discomfort or bruising afterward. No significant pain is typically involved, and normal activities can be resumed immediately.