Question 1

What is Cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis is a late-stage scarring of the liver that replaces healthy tissue with scar tissue and prevents the liver from functioning properly. It is caused by chronic liver diseases including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, chronic alcoholism, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The Alanine Aminotransferase ALT Blood Test is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures liver cell damage and inflammation severity.

Question 2

What causes cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis is caused by chronic liver damage that occurs over many years. The most common causes include chronic hepatitis C virus infection, chronic hepatitis B virus infection, long-term alcohol abuse, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes. Other causes include autoimmune hepatitis, bile duct diseases, Wilson disease, hemochromatosis, and certain medications that damage the liver over time.

Question 3

What is the best test for cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

The Alanine Aminotransferase ALT Blood Test is the most important test for cirrhosis because it measures liver enzymes that leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Elevated ALT levels indicate ongoing liver inflammation and help monitor disease progression. Additional essential tests include the Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase GGT test, which detects scar tissue formation, and Total and Direct Bilirubin tests, which assess how well your liver processes waste products. If hepatitis is suspected as the cause, the Hepatitis C Antibody with Reflex to HCV RNA test identifies active viral infection that needs treatment.

Question 4

When should I get tested for cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a history of heavy alcohol use for many years, have been diagnosed with hepatitis B or C, notice yellowing of your skin or eyes, experience unexplonal fatigue and weakness, have swelling in your legs or abdomen, or see easy bruising or bleeding. Testing is also important if you have unexplained weight loss, spider-like blood vessels on your skin, or if family members have liver disease. Early detection through blood work helps prevent serious complications like liver failure and liver cancer.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis symptoms often do not appear until significant liver damage has occurred. Early symptoms include fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, and unexplained weight loss. As the disease progresses, you might notice jaundice with yellowing of the skin and eyes, itchy skin, swelling in the legs and ankles, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, easy bruising and bleeding, confusion or difficulty thinking clearly, and spider-like blood vessels visible on the skin.

Question 6

Who is at risk for cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

People who drink excessive amounts of alcohol for many years are at high risk for cirrhosis. Those with chronic hepatitis B or C infections face significant risk, as do individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease related to obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol. Other risk factors include autoimmune liver diseases, inherited liver conditions like Wilson disease or hemochromatosis, bile duct problems, and long-term use of certain medications. Men are more likely to develop alcohol-related cirrhosis, while women may develop liver damage from smaller amounts of alcohol.

Question 7

What happens if cirrhosis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated cirrhosis leads to life-threatening complications as the liver loses its ability to function. Portal hypertension develops, causing dangerous varices in the esophagus and stomach that can rupture and bleed. Fluid accumulates in the abdomen, creating ascites that increases infection risk. The liver cannot remove toxins from the blood, leading to hepatic encephalopathy with confusion, personality changes, and coma. Cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of developing liver cancer. Eventually, complete liver failure occurs, requiring a liver transplant for survival.

Question 8

Can cirrhosis be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests are essential for diagnosing and monitoring cirrhosis, though they are usually combined with imaging studies. Liver enzyme tests like ALT and GGT reveal ongoing liver damage and inflammation. Bilirubin tests show how well the liver processes waste products. Blood tests can identify the underlying cause, such as hepatitis viral tests or autoimmune markers. Additional tests measure blood clotting function, protein levels, and kidney function. The Alpha-Fetoprotein AFP test screens for liver cancer development, a serious complication of cirrhosis.

Question 9

How is cirrhosis treated?

Accepted Answer

Cirrhosis treatment focuses on stopping further liver damage and managing complications. If alcohol is the cause, complete abstinence is essential. Antiviral medications treat hepatitis B and C infections. Weight loss and diabetes management help non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Medications control complications like portal hypertension, fluid buildup, and hepatic encephalopathy. Regular screening detects liver cancer early. Avoiding medications that stress the liver and getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B are important. In advanced cases, liver transplantation becomes the only option for survival.

Question 10

How can I prevent cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent cirrhosis by limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels or avoiding it completely if you have liver disease risk factors. Get vaccinated against hepatitis B and practice safe behaviors to avoid hepatitis C infection. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise to prevent fatty liver disease. Use medications only as prescribed and avoid mixing drugs with alcohol. Practice safe sex and do not share needles to prevent hepatitis transmission. Manage chronic conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol that contribute to liver damage.

Question 11

What can I do at home for cirrhosis?

Accepted Answer

At home, eliminate alcohol completely to prevent further liver damage. Follow a balanced diet low in sodium to reduce fluid retention, and eat small frequent meals with adequate protein to prevent malnutrition. Avoid raw or undercooked shellfish that carry infection risk. Stay physically active with gentle exercise like walking to maintain muscle mass and energy. Get adequate sleep and rest when fatigued. Monitor your weight daily and report sudden increases that indicate fluid buildup. Take only medications approved by your doctor, as many over-the-counter drugs can harm the liver.

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.

Cirrhosis Blood Test

What is Cirrhosis?

What causes cirrhosis?

What is the best test for cirrhosis?

When should I get tested for cirrhosis?

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