Question 1

What is chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Chronic liver disease is progressive damage to the liver over months or years that impairs liver function. It is caused by viral hepatitis infections (Hepatitis B and C), alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune disorders, and genetic conditions. The Comprehensive Metabolic Panel combined with Hepatitis A Antibody Total test is the most important screening for diagnosing chronic liver disease.

Question 2

What causes chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Chronic liver disease is caused by prolonged damage to liver tissue from multiple factors including viral infections, toxins, and metabolic disorders. Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are leading infectious causes that trigger ongoing inflammation and scarring. Excessive alcohol consumption, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (often linked to obesity and diabetes), autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, hemochromatosis (iron overload), and Wilson disease (copper accumulation) also cause progressive liver damage over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

The Hepatitis A Antibody Total test is essential for comprehensive liver disease assessment because it reveals past hepatitis exposure that may contribute to chronic liver conditions, especially when combined with other risk factors. A complete evaluation requires liver function tests measuring ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver damage and synthetic function. Additional hepatitis panels (Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis C antibody), complete blood count, prothrombin time, and imaging studies provide a full picture of liver health and disease severity.

Question 4

When should I get tested for chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), abdominal swelling or pain in the upper right side, or easy bruising and bleeding. Testing is also important if you have a history of heavy alcohol use, hepatitis exposure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disease. Anyone with elevated liver enzymes on routine blood work or taking medications that can affect the liver should undergo comprehensive liver testing to catch disease early.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Chronic liver disease symptoms develop gradually and include persistent fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and unintended weight loss. As the disease progresses, you might notice yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), dark urine, pale stools, itchy skin, abdominal swelling (ascites), swelling in the legs and ankles, easy bruising and bleeding, confusion or difficulty concentrating (hepatic encephalopathy), and spider-like blood vessels on the skin. Many people have no symptoms in early stages, making blood testing crucial for early detection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

People who consume excessive alcohol regularly, have chronic hepatitis B or C infections, are obese or have type 2 diabetes, or have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease face the highest risk. Those with autoimmune diseases, family history of liver disease, exposure to certain toxins or medications, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency are also at increased risk. Healthcare workers, people who received blood transfusions before 1992, individuals with HIV, and those who share needles or have multiple sexual partners have elevated risk for viral hepatitis-related liver disease.

Question 7

What happens if chronic liver disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated chronic liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, where extensive scarring severely impairs liver function and cannot be reversed. Cirrhosis leads to life-threatening complications including liver failure, portal hypertension with internal bleeding from esophageal varices, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), kidney failure (hepatorenal syndrome), confusion and altered consciousness (hepatic encephalopathy), increased infection risk, and significantly elevated risk of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Once cirrhosis develops, the only curative treatment may be liver transplantation, making early detection and treatment critical for preventing irreversible damage.

Question 8

Can chronic liver disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential tools for diagnosing and monitoring chronic liver disease, though complete diagnosis requires multiple approaches. Liver function tests measuring ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, albumin, and prothrombin time reveal liver damage and functional impairment. Hepatitis panels detect viral infections, while tests for autoantibodies, iron levels, copper levels, and alpha-1 antitrypsin identify specific causes. Blood tests also assess disease severity through platelet counts and synthetic liver function markers, though imaging studies like ultrasound, FibroScan, CT, or MRI and sometimes liver biopsy are needed for complete evaluation and staging.

Question 9

How is chronic liver disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment focuses on addressing the underlying cause and preventing further liver damage. Antiviral medications effectively treat chronic hepatitis B and C, potentially curing hepatitis C and controlling hepatitis B. Complete alcohol abstinence is essential for alcohol-related liver disease, while weight loss, diabetes management, and dietary changes help non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Immunosuppressive medications treat autoimmune liver diseases, and specific therapies manage genetic conditions like hemochromatosis (phlebotomy to remove excess iron) and Wilson disease (medications to remove copper). Advanced cirrhosis may require liver transplantation, with ongoing monitoring crucial for all patients.

Question 10

How can I prevent chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevent chronic liver disease by avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. Practice safe sex, avoid sharing needles or personal items like razors and toothbrushes, and ensure sterile equipment for tattoos and piercings to prevent hepatitis transmission. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol, use medications only as prescribed, avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, and get regular check-ups with liver function testing if you have risk factors. Early detection and lifestyle modifications can prevent progression to advanced liver disease.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with chronic liver disease?

Accepted Answer

While natural approaches support liver health, they should complement rather than replace medical treatment. Milk thistle (silymarin) shows promise in protecting liver cells from damage and supporting regeneration, though evidence is mixed. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein while limiting saturated fats, sugar, and salt supports liver function. Coffee consumption (2-3 cups daily) is associated with reduced liver disease progression. Maintain adequate hydration, avoid alcohol completely, exercise regularly to maintain healthy weight, and ensure adequate vitamin E intake. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements, as some can interact with medications or worsen liver disease.

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.

Chronic Liver Disease Blood Test

What is Chronic liver disease?

What causes chronic liver disease?

What is the best test for chronic liver disease?

When should I get tested for chronic liver disease?

References

Here’s why 1,000,000+ customers chose us for affordable hassle-free private blood testing.

Us vs. Them

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say

Ask Me Anything