Two conventional indicators instead of a biopsy
The APRI test does not require expensive reagents: it is calculated based on the AST level and platelet count from a general blood test. The logic is simple - with the development of cirrhosis, the pressure in the portal vein system increases, the spleen enlarges and retains platelets, so their number falls, and liver damage increases AST. The ratio of these values correlates with the stage of fibrosis. A value below 0.5 highly likely excludes severe fibrosis; a value above 1.5 indicates it. The World Health Organization recommends APRI as a method for the initial assessment of fibrosis in viral hepatitis where elastography and ELF testing are not available. Intermediate values require clarification by other methods.
How to prepare to donate blood
- on an empty stomach 8–12 hours, you can drink water
- Eliminate alcohol and intense exercise per day
- no smoking in an hour
- donate blood before physiotherapy, x-rays and massage
- Take medications in advance by agreeing with your doctor
How to read the result
Reference values depend on the method and equipment of the laboratory, so it is correct to compare results only within the same laboratory. A deviation of a few percent from the normal limit in itself rarely matters - the overall picture and dynamics are important.
The analysis must be interpreted by a doctor: an isolated indicator without a clinical context is often misleading and leads to unnecessary examinations.