Question 1

What is liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition where healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue, preventing the liver from functioning properly. It is caused by chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B, chronic alcohol abuse, fatty liver disease, and autoimmune conditions that damage liver cells over time. The Hepatitis Be Antigen test is the most important test for identifying active Hepatitis B virus replication, a major risk factor for developing cirrhosis.

Question 2

What causes liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Liver cirrhosis is caused by long-term liver damage from chronic viral infections like Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune liver diseases. When your liver is repeatedly injured over months or years, scar tissue gradually replaces healthy liver cells, making it harder for your liver to do its job of filtering toxins, producing proteins, and helping with digestion. Chronic Hepatitis B infection is one of the leading causes worldwide, as the virus continuously attacks liver cells, triggering inflammation and progressive scarring that eventually leads to cirrhosis.

Question 3

What is the best test for liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis Be Antigen test is the most important blood test for liver cirrhosis because it detects active Hepatitis B virus replication, which is a major cause of progressive liver damage and scarring. This test shows whether the virus is actively multiplying in your body, which helps determine your risk for developing cirrhosis and guides treatment decisions. Additionally, the Hep B Core Antibody IgM test is essential for identifying recent or acute Hepatitis B infections that could lead to chronic liver disease. While no single blood test directly diagnoses cirrhosis itself, these tests identify one of the most common underlying causes, allowing for early intervention to slow or prevent progression to advanced cirrhosis. Your doctor may also order liver function tests, imaging studies, or a liver biopsy for definitive diagnosis.

Question 4

When should I get tested for liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a history of chronic Hepatitis B or C infection, drink alcohol heavily or regularly over many years, have been diagnosed with fatty liver disease, or experience symptoms like persistent fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or unexplained abdominal swelling. Early testing is critical because cirrhosis often develops silently over years without obvious symptoms, and identifying the underlying cause early can help prevent further liver damage. If you have risk factors like a family history of liver disease, diabetes, or obesity, getting tested can catch problems before they progress to irreversible scarring.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Early-stage liver cirrhosis often has no symptoms, but as the disease progresses, you might notice fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. More advanced symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), itchy skin, dark urine, pale or bloody stools, fluid buildup in your abdomen (ascites), swelling in your legs and ankles, and easy bruising or bleeding. Some people develop confusion or difficulty thinking clearly due to toxin buildup in the brain, a condition called hepatic encephalopathy. Spider-like blood vessels on your skin and redness in the palms of your hands are also common signs of advanced cirrhosis.

Question 6

Who is at risk for liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

People with chronic Hepatitis B or C infections, heavy alcohol drinkers, those with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related to obesity or diabetes, and individuals with autoimmune liver diseases are at highest risk for developing cirrhosis. Other risk factors include long-term exposure to certain medications or toxins, inherited liver diseases like hemochromatosis or Wilson disease, and chronic bile duct problems. Men are more likely to develop cirrhosis than women, and the risk increases significantly if you have multiple risk factors, such as being overweight and drinking alcohol regularly while having a viral hepatitis infection.

Question 7

What happens if liver cirrhosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated liver cirrhosis progresses to liver failure, where your liver can no longer perform essential functions like filtering toxins from your blood, producing clotting factors, and metabolizing nutrients. This leads to life-threatening complications including severe internal bleeding from enlarged veins in your esophagus or stomach, kidney failure, increased infection risk, fluid accumulation in your abdomen and lungs, and confusion or coma from toxin buildup in your brain. Cirrhosis also significantly increases your risk of developing liver cancer. Once cirrhosis reaches advanced stages, a liver transplant may be the only treatment option, making early detection and management critical for preventing these serious outcomes.

Question 8

Can liver cirrhosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests cannot directly diagnose liver cirrhosis, but they play a crucial role in identifying underlying causes like Hepatitis B infection, assessing liver function, and monitoring disease progression. Tests like the Hepatitis Be Antigen and Hep B Core Antibody IgM detect viral infections that cause cirrhosis, while liver function tests measure enzymes and proteins that indicate how well your liver is working. Your doctor will typically combine blood test results with imaging studies like ultrasound, CT scans, or FibroScan, and sometimes a liver biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of liver scarring.

Question 9

How is liver cirrhosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for liver cirrhosis focuses on stopping further liver damage, managing complications, and addressing the underlying cause. If Hepatitis B is the cause, antiviral medications can suppress the virus and slow disease progression. For alcohol-related cirrhosis, complete abstinence from alcohol is essential. Lifestyle changes like losing weight, eating a healthy low-sodium diet, and avoiding medications that stress the liver are important for all cirrhosis patients. Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage complications like fluid buildup, portal hypertension, or hepatic encephalopathy. In advanced cases where the liver is severely damaged, a liver transplant may be necessary to save your life.

Question 10

How can I prevent liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent liver cirrhosis by getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, and managing conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol that contribute to fatty liver disease. Practice safe sex and avoid sharing needles to prevent Hepatitis B and C infections. If you already have a liver condition, follow your doctor's treatment plan carefully, avoid medications and supplements that can damage your liver, and get regular monitoring with blood tests and imaging. Early treatment of viral hepatitis and fatty liver disease can prevent progression to cirrhosis and preserve your liver function for years to come.

Question 11

What can I do at home for liver cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can support your liver health by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains while limiting sodium to reduce fluid retention. Avoid alcohol completely, as even small amounts can accelerate liver damage. Stay physically active with regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and reduce fat buildup in your liver. Take only medications prescribed by your doctor and avoid over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen that can stress your liver. Monitor yourself for signs of complications like increased abdominal swelling, confusion, or bleeding, and report these to your doctor immediately. Getting adequate rest, managing stress, and staying up to date with your medical appointments and blood tests are essential for managing cirrhosis at home.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Liver Cirrhosis Blood Test

What is Liver cirrhosis?

What causes liver cirrhosis?

What is the best test for liver cirrhosis?

When should I get tested for liver cirrhosis?

References

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