Detection of Advanced Liver Fibrosis Using Blood Noninvasive Tests: A Laboratory Medicine Perspective

Despite its growing impact, advanced liver fibrosis (ALF) remains substantially underdiagnosed in both primary and specialized care settings. Since liver cirrhosis is typically preceded by a prolonged phase of asymptomatic fibrosis, early detection of ALF, particularly in high-risk individuals, represents a public health priority. From a laboratory medicine perspective, this prolonged subclinical phase offers an interesting opportunity for early detection of ALF using blood-based noninvasive tests (NITs) that can be implemented in primary and nonhepatology care settings before overt disease develops.

By critically appraising the evidence sources in the available literature, this paper provides an overview of blood-based NITs useful for the detection of ALF, with particular emphasis on the aspects and problems related to their implementation in daily laboratory practice. We explore the feasibility of different scenarios using strategies based on routine biochemical parameters and more specialized NITs that incorporate measurements of direct markers of fibrosis activity. Moreover, we highlight discrepancies existing among clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations that may hamper their widespread implementation in medical laboratories.

Advances in understanding and increase in prevalence of ALF require earlier detection and more accurate risk assessment of this condition. Blood-based NITs may provide a widely accessible diagnostic aid, especially in primary care and resource-limited settings. Multidisciplinary collaboration focusing on their integration into clinical pathways to optimize patient evaluation and specialist referral is required. Harmonization of recommendations in international CPGs will certainly contribute to their more effective use.