ENHANCED LIVER FIBROSIS

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ENHANCED LIVER FIBROSIS (ELF)

The ELF test is the only non-invasive and FDA-approved blood test that analyzes three biomarkers associated with active liver fibrosis (scarring) to provide a risk score and risk group for liver related problems. The results of this diagnostic test will be uploaded into the participant’s medical record. Along with other medical information, this test can be used to inform participants and their physicians about their risk of developing liver disease and liver related outcomes.

More information about this test can be found here.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO CONSIDER PRIOR TO HAVING YOUR ELF TEST COMPLETED
BIOTIN (VITAMIN B7):
Patients in consultation with their clinician should discontinue taking any preparation containing biotin, for example multivitamins containing biotin (vitamin B7), hair, skin, and nail supplements containing biotin, and foods or beverages supplements with biotin for 3 days prior to the blood collection. Patients with impaired renal function should discontinue biotin use 4 days before collection.

NO FASTING REQUIRED:
This blood draw does not require participants to fast prior to collection.

RETURN OF RESULTS
Once your blood sample has been collected, your results will be posted to your Renown MyChart and medical record in approximately 2-3 weeks as a numerical score along with an associated risk group. If your risk score is moderate or high, a healthcare professional with the study will contact you by phone or MyChart to discuss your results with you. 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOLLOWING YOUR RESULTS
It is recommended that you discuss your results with your providers at any upcoming appointments. If your risk score indicates you are at moderate or high risk for liver related problems, consult with your doctor to discuss whether additional tests may be needed and for ways to lower your risk. A second ELF test may also be performed after one year to help patients learn if their risks have changed since their last test.

Click HERE to review additional recommended actions for each risk group.

Renown IHI has begun enrollment for the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Liver Disease Genome Atlas study and is currently available online to Renown patients who have already participated or are new to the Healthy Nevada Project.

Further Information

  • The voluntary ELF test is an FDA approved blood test that provides an ELF score that delivers information on liver fibrosis severity. 
  • The ELF test is performed by Siemens Healthcare Laboratory (Siemens) based in Berkeley, CA, which is a CAP accredited high complexity CLIA licensed laboratory.
  • When a patient serum sample is received by Siemens, it is tested using three high performance biomarker assays that are direct markers of active fibrosis
  • The results of the biomarkers are combined in an algorithm which generate the ELF score.
  • The ELF score has been shown to be a prognostic (predictive) indicator of a liver-related outcome occurring within 5 years in patients with liver disease related to fibrosis

If you have any questions about these studies, please email us at RenownIHI@renown.org and our research staff will contact you.