FibroTest-ActiTest – the alternative to liver biopsy

16 November 2005: Clinical testing specialists, Lab21, have produced a comprehensive CD-based audiovisual presentation to support the launch of their ‘breakthrough’ liver disease assessment service. In addition to detailing the nature of the service provided, the presentation provides an overview of liver disease assessment and why it is time to review the role of liver biopsy. The CD and accompanying information cards are available on request from Lab21.

Hailed as the new alternative to liver biopsy, Lab21’s service uses a non-invasive serum-based test – FibroTest-ActiTest – to determine levels of liver fibrosis and necroinflammatory activity. Although liver biopsy is established as the gold standard for the evaluation of liver status, it is an invasive, potentially dangerous, time-consuming and costly procedure that can only be performed at infrequent intervals. With a dramatic rise in chronic liver disease predicted in the UK over the next two decades, a viable, non-invasive alternative such as that offered by FibroTest-ActiTest is more important than ever before.

The FibroTest-ActiTest system has already proved its worth in North America and elsewhere in Europe, where it is currently used to manage more than 80,000 hepatitis C (HCV) patients. Lab21 has exclusive use of the test in the UK and Ireland. In addition to its value in HCV disease, the test is also clinically validated for HBV, alcoholic hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

For more details of the Lab21 liver testing service and to request a copy of the CD presentation, visit www.lab-21.com

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High resolution image available from Richard Kent, Kapler Communications richard@kapleronkline.com  Please quote reference L21/PRL/018

About Lab21
Lab21 – the only company of its kind in the UK
Lab21 has a vision of how technically advanced clinical testing services support the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers as we move towards personalised medicine… and how monitoring pollutants and toxins in the environment helps minimise their damaging impact on our health.

Delivering clinical insight – rather than exclusively developing its own technology, as many diagnostic companies do, Lab21 is assembling best-in-class tests and technology platforms from specialist partners around the world. We add a high level of expertise and know-how to deliver antiviral drug discovery services plus a portfolio of cutting-edge molecular diagnostics, viral characterisation, pharmacogenetic tests, and patient profiling.

Press contact:
Richard Kent Kapler Communications Ltd
Tel: +44 (0) 1480 471117
E-mail: richard@kapleronline.com 

Lab21 contact:
Tel: 44 (0)1489 898 600
www.lab-21.com