Health Check Items - Liver

Liver

HBV DNA Test

HBV DNA quantification is an essential tool to assess the level viral replication in chronic hepatitis B. It is the standard investigation in patient selection for treatment as well as monitoring of treatment response and development of drug resistance. In our laboratory, we employ the TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction technology with the state-of-the-art ABI Prism system for measurement of HBV DNA. We use the Eurohep HBV standard to set the standard curve, which has a correlation coefficient routinely greater than 0.99. The linear range of HBV DNA measurement is from 100 to 109 copies/ml (20 to 2.0 x 108 IU/ml).

In order to ensure proper follow-up of the test results, all the requests require referral letters from doctors. To arrange an appointment for the test, please contact the Center for Liver Health during office hours to with a completed request form and a referral letter.

Drug-resistant variants of virus test

Use of anti-viral agents is associated with drug resistant mutations at the HBV polymerase gene. The emergence of drug resistance will lead to failure of treatment and worsening of liver disease. Early detection and confirmation of the drug resistant mutations will aid the clinical decision to modify the anti-viral regimes. In our laboratory, we perform polymerase chain reaction amplification and direct sequencing of the HBV polymerase gene to detect drug resistance. This assay has the advantage of detecting the key drug resistant mutations of different anti-viral drugs at the same time. In addition, compensatory mutations that may affect cross-resistance and viral replication fitness can also be detected.

FibroScan

Apart from liver stiffness measurement, Fibroscan has a new function to measure the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). It is more convenient and bears a zero risk than the traditional assessment of liver fibrosis by liver biopsy. Technically, the operator will place a probe at the position of the liver where shear wave is emitted through the skin into the liver. At the same time, the probe will trace the velocity of the shear wave. The higher the velocity, the stiffness the liver. A stiffer liver usually reflects more severe liver fibrosis.

There are no obvious symptoms for fatty liver, liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and early stage hepatocellular carcinoma. Regular monitoring of liver fibrosis and cancer surveillance is recommended for early detection and treatment of these conditions, particularly among high risk patients.

To arrange an appointment for the investigation, please contact the Center for Liver Health during office hours.