Siemens announces launch of enhanced liver fibrosis test in Europe

Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics has announced the launch of its Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) test in Europe.

The test is the first standardised, non-invasive blood test used to measure the status of liver fibrosis to receive a CE mark, with its efficacy shown in an international multi-centre cohort study.

In the test, three serum biomarkers are measured by immunoassay to create an ELF score, with the levels of hyaluronic acid, procollagen III amino terminal peptide and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase correlating to the level of fibrosis assessed through a liver biopsy.

The ELF test is being made available through Southampton-based firm iQur, a specialist firm focused on the detection, treatment and monitoring of liver conditions.

David Okrongly, senior vice-president of the molecular business unit at Siemens Medical Solutions Diagnostics, said: “The benefit of the Siemens ELF test is that it can be used repeatedly, with minimal patient discomfort, to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.”

He added that it is the first such test that requires only a simple blood sample, with the firm delighted to offer the product as a service for doctors managing chronic liver disease patients.

In March 2006, Siemens Medical Solutions announced a collaboration with Chongqing Haifu Technology for the development of a magnetic resonance imaging system to focus on women’s health treatments, including detection of tumours of the liver.