Get to know
the FIB-4 score
This score can give you and your health care professional (HCP) more insight on your risk for MASH (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis) and liver scarring.
What is FIB-4?
FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4) is a calculation used to assess your likelihood of advanced liver scarring, also known as fibrosis. It’s often the first step recommended for someone with risk factors for MASH (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis).
Why knowing your FIB-4 score matters
Since MASH often develops without obvious symptoms, liver damage can progress without you knowing. With timely detection, screening, and management, it may be possible to stop or even reverse liver damage from MASH. Because of this, screening tools like FIB-4 can help start the conversation with your HCP early.
What a FIB-4 score tells you
A FIB-4 score helps assess your risk for advanced liver scarring. Your results will fall within a range that your HCP can use to determine whether additional evaluation may be needed. It's a screening tool, which is not intended to diagnose MASH, but it can get you one step closer toward a fuller picture of your liver health.
What's needed for the FIB-4 score?
Your age, AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and ALT (alanine aminotransferase) levels, and platelet count are all used to calculate your FIB-4 score.
AST and ALT levels and platelet count are usually included in routine blood work and may already be available to your HCP. Ask your HCP if they have everything they need to calculate your FIB-4 score.
Asking your HCP about your FIB-4 score
If you think you're at risk for MASH, feel empowered to ask your HCP to calculate your FIB-4 score. This is a great first step toward finding out if you're at risk for MASH and liver scarring, and if you need to take any further steps with your HCP.
How to read FIB-4 resultsA FIB-4 score is expressed as a numerical score that HCPs interpret using 3 general risk categories. These categories are adapted from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases guidelines:
Score of <1.3
Low risk for advanced fibrosis
People with this score have a low likelihood of having advanced liver scarring.
Score of 1.3-2.67
Intermediate risk for advanced fibrosis
People with this score fall in the middle range, meaning it’s not clear whether advanced scarring is present without more testing.
Score of >2.67
High risk for advanced fibrosis
People with this score have a higher likelihood of advanced liver scarring and need further evaluation by a specialist. Remember, this score is only the first step in finding out your risk for MASH and liver scarring. Talk to your HCP about what your results mean and what's next. |
Discussing FIB-4 with your HCP
Here are a few questions to start the conversation.
- Can you calculate my FIB-4 score?
- What does my FIB-4 result mean for my liver health?
- Should I have any follow-up tests or see a liver specialist?
- How often should my FIB-4 score be calculated and my liver health be evaluated?
- How can I manage my risk for MASH?
KEY ORGANIZATIONS THAT RECOMMEND FIB-4 SCREENING
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Many liver health advocacy organizations, including Liver Education Advocates, the Fatty Liver Foundation, and the American Liver Foundation, include FIB-4 as a valuable screening method.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) recommends using FIB-4 to screen people at risk for MASH.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends annual screening with FIB-4 for patients with MASH risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, or obesity.
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ARE YOU AT RISK FOR MASH?
If you think you may be at risk for MASH, SPEAK UP, SPEAK LOUD, and SPEAK NOW. Ask your HCP about your FIB-4 score, and explore these resources to get that conversation started.
The information provided is for educational purposes only.
