PATIENT INFO
Presently, physicians rely on patient history, medical examination, standard blood tests, liver biopsy, and radiologic studies to define disease severity, assess progression, and evaluate the impact of treatments and interventions. These tests are limited in predictive value, may be affected by non-hepatic factors, and in some cases can be painful and carry risk. In contrast, HepQuant’s tests are being developed to specifically assess liver function and the portal circulation
—the key determinants of clinical outcomes.
Common Issues for Patients
In the management of chronic liver disease, there are a number of difficult-to-answer questions:
- How sick is my liver?
- What is the stage of my liver disease?
- Is my liver function sufficient to respond to treatment?
- What are the treatments or intervention options given staging?
- Are treatments working?
- What are the chances of deterioration and complications?
It is anticipated HepQuant tests will improve the physician’s ability to quantify liver function and assess severity of liver disease, and potentially improve the management of patients’ care. Research has shown that impairment of the portal circulation is central to the complications of liver disease;
HepQuant-STAT™, HepQuant-SHUNT™ and HepQuant-FLOW™ will measure the portal circulation.
Words of Encouragement From A Patient
- Click the link above to view the presentation by Dr. Greg Everson
"What Do I Really Need?"- A Conversation with Dr. Greg Everson
"Is My Liver Getting Sick or Not?"- A Conversation With Dr. Greg Everson
Frequently Asked Questions from Patients
How difficult is the test for me or a patient?
Testing is relatively easy for the patient. For the HepQuant-STAT™, the patient drinks a safe testing compound mixed with juice and then gives a single small blood sample 60 minutes later. For the HepQuant-FLOW™, the patient drinks the same testing compound mixed with juice and then gives 5 small blood samples over 90 minutes. For the HepQuant-SHUNT™, an intravenous (IV) catheter is placed in a vein in the patient’s arm near the elbow. A different safe testing compound is given intravenously through the catheter at the same time the patient drinks the first testing compound with juice. The catheter is used to collect 5 small blood samples over 90 minutes and then is removed. After any of the tests you can return to work or your usual activities. Sedation is not required, there is no radiologic imaging, and you do not need an accompanying adult.
Where is the test performed?
The test can be administered in the outpatient setting – either in a physician’s office, infusion center, or any facility with phlebotomy (blood-drawing) capability.
Do I need to make any special arrangements, bring an accompanying person, or miss work for this testing?
The test only involves removal of small amounts of blood and you may leave the testing center immediately after the last blood sample, has been obtained. Testing does not require sedation, administration of narcotics, or special monitoring.
What do I do with the test results?
HepQuant testing, although simple and convenient for patients, is a highly sophisticated method for assessing your liver function. Only a physician with knowledge of HepQuant testing can properly interpret test results – once the test has been completed, consult your physician regarding interpretation of test results.
