Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: 8–12 hours
- Turn-around: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of fatty liver disease before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening combining liver enzymes, glucose, and lipid markers
- No doctor visit required – order directly and get confidential results
- Actionable insights to guide lifestyle changes and prevent progression
- Cost-effective monitoring for high-risk individuals with metabolic conditions
- Peace of mind through proactive liver health assessment
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with obesity or being overweight seeking liver health screening
- People with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- Individuals with high blood pressure or cholesterol concerns
- Those with family history of liver disease or diabetes
- Health-conscious individuals wanting preventive screening
- Anyone with elevated liver enzymes from previous tests
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Order test and visit any participating lab location
- Quick blood draw – Fast for 8-12 hours, then complete your test in minutes
- Get results – Secure online results in 2-3 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? CBC with Differential and Platelets, blood glucose, HbA1c, hepatic function panel, lipid panel, and hepatitis screening to assess fatty liver risk.
Do I need to fast before the test? Yes, fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw for accurate glucose and lipid measurements.
Can this test diagnose NASH (advanced fatty liver disease)? This test identifies risk and inflammation; definitive NASH diagnosis may require imaging or specialist evaluation.
How accurate is this screening? Blood tests combined with clinical factors provide good prediction accuracy for NAFLD presence (2017 validation study).
What if my results are abnormal? Follow up with your physician for further evaluation, which may include imaging studies or specialist referral.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive screening identifies individuals at risk for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition where fat accumulates in the liver not caused by alcohol consumption. NAFLD affects an estimated 25% of the global population and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in Western countries (Wiley Review 2019). The test measures key blood biomarkers including liver enzymes, glucose metabolism markers, and lipid profiles to assess your liver health and metabolic risk factors.
Early detection is crucial because NAFLD can progress to more serious conditions like non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and liver cancer. This screening empowers you to take preventive action through lifestyle modifications before irreversible liver damage occurs.
Who would benefit from this test?
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with metabolic risk factors. Over 50% of adults with type 2 diabetes have NAFLD, highlighting the importance of targeted screening (NCBI 2015). You should consider this test if you have obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or elevated cholesterol levels.
Health-conscious individuals without symptoms but with family history of liver disease or metabolic conditions also benefit from this proactive screening. The test provides peace of mind and baseline health data for future monitoring, especially for those committed to maintaining optimal liver health through preventive care.
When should I order the Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk Assessment?
Consider ordering this test if you have risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. It's also recommended if previous blood work showed elevated liver enzymes (ALT or AST) that need further investigation (Mayo Clinic 2024).
You should also order this test if you experience symptoms potentially related to liver dysfunction, including persistent fatigue, upper right abdominal discomfort, or unexplained weight changes. Even without symptoms, annual screening is valuable for high-risk individuals as NAFLD often develops silently.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will include multiple markers that together provide a comprehensive picture of your liver health and metabolic status:
ALT (liver enzyme)
- Normal Range: 7–40 U/L
- Elevated Results: Possible liver inflammation or damage
AST (liver enzyme)
- Normal Range: 10–40 U/L
- Elevated Results: May indicate liver cell injury
HbA1c
- Normal Range: <5.7%
- Elevated Results: Higher levels suggest diabetes risk
Total Cholesterol
- Normal Range: <200 mg/dL
- Elevated Results: Elevated levels increase NAFLD risk
Triglycerides
- Normal Range: <150 mg/dL
- Elevated Results: High levels associated with fatty liver
Fibrosis risk stratification tools can identify up to 33% of high-risk patients needing specialized care (2025 primary care study).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, consuming only water during this period. Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to testing, as alcohol can affect liver enzyme levels and interfere with accurate assessment.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking, particularly those that may affect liver function. Continue taking prescribed medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Stay well-hydrated before your appointment to make the blood draw easier.
How often should I get tested?
- Normal results, no risk factors: Every 2–3 years
- Pre-diabetes or metabolic syndrome: Annually
- Type 2 diabetes: Every 6–12 months
- Previous abnormal results: Every 3–6 months, as directed
- Active weight loss program: Every 6 months
Why early detection matters
Early detection of NAFLD through screening significantly improves outcomes by enabling lifestyle interventions that may prevent progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (Mayo Clinic 2024). When caught early, NAFLD is often reversible through diet modification, regular exercise, and weight management.
Without early intervention, NAFLD can silently progress to NASH, affecting up to 6% of the population and potentially leading to liver failure requiring transplantation. Proactive screening allows you to implement protective lifestyle changes before permanent liver damage occurs, potentially adding years to your healthy lifespan.
Related tests you may consider
Liver Profile #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel - provides broader insight into liver inflammation and function, complementing this NAFLD risk assessment with additional enzyme measurements and protein synthesis markers.
Cardio IQ Advanced Lipid Panel - offers detailed cholesterol subtype analysis to better understand cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors that contribute to NAFLD development.
Inflammatory #1 Baseline Panel - can help assess systemic inflammation that may contribute to liver disease progression and metabolic dysfunction.
