In Australia, 30% of adults have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and it is set to become one of our most prevalent chronic diseases.

The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis test (ELF) measures chemicals in the bloodstream that indicate the degree of fibrosis (scar tissue) caused by chronic liver disease. Significant fibrosis suggests progression towards cirrhosis, where scarring is so severe the liver can fail. This can lead to liver cancer or transplant. 264 Australians received a liver transplant in 2015.

Chronic liver diseases that can cause fibrosis include viral hepatitis and alcohol induced damage. However, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is predicted to sky-rocket as obesity increases.

Brisbane Hepatologist {liver specialist} Professor Elizabeth Powell says:

“Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will soon surpass viral hepatitis as the leading cause of liver transplant in Australia. Detecting liver damage is important to allow monitoring for complications such as liver cancer.”

The test’s co-creator, London based Professor William Rosenberg says,

“This test potentially has great benefits to patients and the safety, speed and simplicity of a blood test means people can be easily monitored over time.”

Liver biopsies analysed in pathology laboratories are currently used to assess fibrosis. However, this invasive procedure may be painful and carries a risk of internal bleeding. They therefore cannot be used repeatedly to monitor response to treatment.

Professor Powell adds,

“A lot of resources are going into developing drug treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. When those come to fruition, this test may play a huge role in identifying and monitoring patient response to these therapies.”

A/Professor Graham Jones is a Sydney-based Pathologist. He says,

“Australians have access to some of the world’s highest quality pathology services. Moving towards minimally invasive tests is a great example of innovation that could help reduce patient anxiety, discomfort and health risks.”

Whilst the test is available in Australia, patients must currently pay for it. Australian medical experts are still understanding how the test fits in with existing Australian treatment guidelines for liver disease.

The post New test could offer easier monitoring for millions with emerging chronic liver disease first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.

Last week he returned to the pathology laboratory that monitored his health during his journey to the brink of poor health from hidden sugars. Adam Bandt, Federal Member for Melbourne, joined Damon on the tour.

So how do you celebrate winning an Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts Award in the same week as receiving word that your film is the highest grossing Australian documentary of all time? Well, go for a blood test, of course.

Damon was reunited with his regular collector, Sharon, to have his blood drawn in order to discover if his health has returned to normal since he went back to a low sugar diet. Over the course of the next hour, Damon and Adam witnessed the journey from vein to result, and the vast array of laboratory investigation that happens in between.

Pathology Awareness Australia Ambassador Dr Ian Clark led the tour showcasing departments including microbiology, cytogenetics and haematology.

The lab is one of the busiest in Victoria and is responsible for producing 16,000 test results a day. Adam and Damon watched state-of-the-art technology and met the highly skilled people working 24/7 behind the scenes to produce life-changing results. They even examined slides comparing a healthy liver to a ‘fatty liver’ so they could see the effect Damon’s experiment had on his body – Damon developed a fatty liver after just 18 days of eating a high sugar diet.

Adam Bandt was clearly impressed:

“I am proud that Melbourne is home to world-leading medical facilities. It is a privilege to meet the people involved and see their work first-hand.”

Damon breathed a sigh of relief when he received his blood test results at the end of the tour – less than an hour after blood collection. Thanks to the help of the lab he went home knowing his health was better than ever.

The post Adam Bandt MP and award-winning actor witness pathology up close first appeared on Know Pathology Know Healthcare.