Gastrointestinal tract and liver

Gastrointestinal and liver diseases encompass conditions affecting digestive organs. Digestive disorders are common and range from relatively mild symptoms to life-threatening conditions. In addition to symptom assessment and imaging diagnostics, laboratory testing provides important medical information for diagnosing and treating digestive disorders.

In vitro diagnostics

Examples demonstrate the value of laboratory tests in detecting, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating gastrointestinal and liver diseases.

In vitro diagnostics

• Gastroenteritis

  Gastroenteritis typically results from food poisoning. The infection may be caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. While gastroenteritis usually resolves spontaneously within days, it can be dangerous for elderly individuals, infants, immunocompromised people, and those with diabetes. Rapid pathogen identification is crucial in acute and severe infections. Conventional diagnostics are time-consuming (culture) and/or labor-intensive (separate detection of possible pathogens). The all-in-one test offers a solution.

  All-in-one test

  This stool test utilizes multiplex PCR technology in a point-of-care system. The sample is placed in an analyzer cartridge. The polymerase chain reaction amplifies DNA sequences from various microorganisms in a single run, enabling simultaneous detection of over twenty potential pathogens (thirteen bacteria, five viruses, and four parasites). Within one hour, diagnosis can be established and appropriate treatment initiated.

• Celiac Disease

  Celiac disease is a chronic intestinal condition characterized by gluten sensitivity. In celiac patients, gluten proteins damage small intestinal mucosa, leading to villous atrophy. This results in impaired absorption of essential nutrients, potentially disrupting growth and development and causing symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, and reduced appetite. While symptoms resolve with a gluten-free diet, diagnosis often takes considerable time. The celiac test (anti-tTG assay) can help identify the disease.

  Celiac Testing

  The anti-tissue transglutaminase test (anti-tTG test) determines whether blood contains antibodies against tissue transglutaminase, an enzyme closely involved in small intestinal villous atrophy. Detection of these antibodies typically indicates gluten sensitivity (celiac disease). This ELISA assay (immune response) offers high sensitivity (92-96 percent) and specificity (98-100 percent). The anti-tTG blood test provides a simple diagnostic tool for investigating patients with persistent symptoms. Its excellent negative predictive value also makes it highly suitable for disease exclusion.

• Liver fibrosis

  Liver fibrosis is a condition in which healthy liver tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue due to repeated or chronic damage to the liver. The disease is caused by metabolic dysregulation and is referred to as MASLD or Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (steatrosis).  Due to a disturbed balance in fat metabolism and glucose metabolism, fat accumulates in liver cells. If the steatosis of the liver persists, it can progress to liver inflammation, referred to as MASH or Metabolic dysfunction associated Steatohepatitis. Ultimately, this may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, which causes serious complications.
  In the early stages, liver function often remains preserved, meaning that metabolic dysregulation may go unnoticed. Timely recognition of the disease and treatment of the underlying cause(s) are therefore essential. At this stage, the process is still reversible due to the liver’s considerable regenerative capacity.

   

   

  ELF Test

  Early detection of liver fibrosis is possible using the ELF test. The blood test measures three direct markers of fibrosis:
  
  1.    hyaluronic acid (HA)
  2.    procollagen III amino-terminal peptide (PIIINP)
  3.    Tissue Inhibitor of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1)

  The ELF test can be used as a screening tool for patients with risk factors for liver fibrosis, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and/or metabolic syndrome. If diagnosed in time, the liver damage can usually be reversed by treatment of underlying cause(s). 
  Because the ELF score correlates with the severity of liver fibrosis, the test can be used to determine the prognosis of liver disease. A higher score indicates a greater risk of progression to cirrhosis. Iin addition, the test is also suitable for monitoring disease course and treatment response. Repeated measurement of the ELF score allows evaluation of the effects of interventions, such as lifestyle modifications or pharmacotherapy.
  Last but not least, the ELF test often eliminates the need for an invasive liver biopsy. The test results support clinical decision-making, leading to more efficient care and potential cost savings. 

   

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