The SRL Diagnostics, a leading pathology lab and diagnostic centre, is planning to launch Echosens Fibro Meter Virus test on the occasion of World Hepatitis Day on July 28 in Hyderabad.

Echosens Fibro Meter Virus test is conducted based on seven biochemical markers along with patient demographic details. Proprietary algorithm developed by Echosens scientists enables fibrosis score calculation which correlates with the standard scoring system (METAVIR). With 100 per cent specificity for cirrhosis, this test is expected to be a perfect fit for excluding cirrhosis (end stage liver damage) in chronic viral hepatitis patients.

Spread across different cities in India SRL Diagnostics is first centre in India to launch such an advanced non-invasive test. This new test is helpful in early screening of liver fibrosisin patients infected with viral hepatitis. “Echosens Fibro meter Virus will be available for first time in India through all Fortis Labs/SRL Diagnostics Labs and its collection centres. Chronic viral hepatitis patients with or without HIV co-infection are ideal candidates for this test and can consider it after appropriate consultation with treating clinician,” informed  Dr. B R Das, president-research & innovation, Mentor-Molecular Pathology and Clinical Research Services, SRL Diagnostics Ltd.

Accurate assessment of liver fibrosis is a vital need for successful individualised management of disease activity in patients. While needle biopsy is still the mainstay in diagnosing hepatic fibrosis, its days of dominance seem limited as newer non-invasive tools and concepts emerge. Among available non-invasive tools, Echosens Fibro Meter Virus has been extensively evaluated through robust clinical studies and has demonstrated highest possible accuracy in assessing liver damage i.e. fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Management of chronic viral hepatitis is challenging since progression of disease varies significantly from patient to patient. Available tools (i.e. liver enzymes, viral load or genotyping) sufficiently aid in monitoring of viral infection, however these tools do not provide accurate estimate of the rate of progression of liver damage. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for assessing liver damage and presently it is done only in non-responding patients with advanced stage of infection. Usually the end cirrhosis stage is irreversible and involves liver transplantation with increased risk of mortality. Due to advances in the management of liver diseases, particularly the evolving non-invasive tools have led to early screening and diagnosis of fibrosis and cirrhosis, enlightened Dr Das.