Innovative Blood Test Enhances Liver Disease Management

A groundbreaking study conducted by the Centenary Institute and Sydney Local Health District introduces a highly accurate blood test that can detect alcohol consumption in patients with liver disease. Unlike conventional biomarkers or self-reported drinking, this new test measures phosphatidylethanol (PEth), a compound solely formed when alcohol is consumed, offering remarkable accuracy in identifying recent alcohol use.

The research involved 183 participants, including those diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease, individuals with alcohol use disorder, and healthy volunteers. Participants provided their alcohol intake information, which was then compared with PEth levels and other established alcohol biomarkers. The results showed that PEth testing correctly identified alcohol use with 95% accuracy, surpassing traditional methods.

PEth levels correlated strongly with consumption patterns: concentrations of 300 micrograms per liter indicated heavy drinking, while 600 micrograms per liter signified very heavy alcohol intake. Significantly, over one-third of participants who claimed to abstain from alcohol still exhibited PEth levels indicating recent alcohol use.

Clinical experts emphasize the advantages of PEth testing. Professor Devanshi Seth, a senior researcher, highlighted that PEth remains detectable for up to five weeks after drinking, providing a longer window for detection compared to other tests. "PEth offers a biochemical signature of alcohol use that is highly sensitive and accurate, making it invaluable for monitoring behavioral changes over time," she explained.

Dr. Anastasia Volovets from the Liver Transplant Team stressed the clinical significance of precise alcohol detection, especially in transplant candidates. Accurate assessment of alcohol use supports better decision-making regarding eligibility and helps prevent post-transplant relapse.

The potential for integrating PEth testing into routine clinical practice is promising. The test is already being adopted at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital's Liver Transplant Unit, and further implementation could enhance patient care quality in liver clinics and transplant programs. Overall, this innovative testing method could significantly improve outcomes for patients with liver disease by providing clinicians with reliable information on alcohol consumption.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-blood-aid-liver-disease-treatment.html