Getting screened for Mash
If you're learning you could be at risk for MASH (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis), you may be asking yourself: Should I get screened? Initiating a conversation with your doctor about screening may be easier than you think. SPEAK UP, SPEAK LOUD, and SPEAK NOW.
Screen so it’s seen
Liver screening
can reveal MASH
The development of noninvasive tests has introduced options for screening and monitoring MASH. With regular testing, you and your health care professional (HCP) can monitor your liver health and work to prevent future complications. The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends that, depending on risk factors, you may need to be reassessed every 1 to 3 years. Talk to your HCP about whether you should be screened for MASH.
What are noninvasive tests, and what can they tell us?
There are noninvasive testing options for fatty liver disease and MASH progression. Noninvasive tests can provide your HCP with important information about how fatty liver disease is affecting your liver. Noninvasive tests can be used for:
- Screening to identify people who are at risk for MASH
- Diagnosing MASH
- Grading MASH, or assessing how much it has progressed
- Diagnosing cirrhosis (severe liver scarring) in people with advanced stages of MASH
Noninvasive testing options for MASH
Blood tests can be used to measure liver enzymes, which, when consistently elevated, may be an indication of MASH.
- There are also blood tests that can help evaluate the severity of fibrosis (liver scarring) in people at risk or already diagnosed with MASH, and predict their risk of progression
FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4) is a blood-based test that is often the first test recommended for someone considered to be at risk for MASH. FIB-4 is a calculation used to assess your likelihood of advanced liver scarring, also known as fibrosis.
Your FIB-4 score will help your HCP determine if additional tests may be needed.
There are 4 pieces of information needed to calculate your FIB-4:
- Age
- AST (aspartate aminotransferase) level
- ALT (alanine aminotransferase) level
- Platelet count
AST and ALT are 2 kinds of liver enzymes, which, along with your platelet count, may already be available on your medical chart. If you didn't have bloodwork done at your last annual physical exam, your HCP can order routine blood tests to get these results.
In some instances, HCPs will order an ultrasound-based test to evaluate the liver.
- Results from these tests can show the buildup of fat in the liver, the presence of fibrosis, and the development of cirrhosis
Your HCP may recommend a combination of blood tests and imaging tests.
Cost and coverage for MASH screening
Many major medical plans now cover the cost of initial MASH screening, plus specialist visits if you’re diagnosed with the disease. You should contact your insurance provider for details specific to your coverage. Additionally, organizations like the American Liver Foundation may be able to help you locate affordable, and potentially free, testing services.
The information provided is for educational purposes only.
