As noninvasive alternatives to biopsy, several serum biomarkers and imaging technologies have been developed as a result of recent technological advancements. They have proven to have benefits such being far safer, more patient-acceptable, less costly, and repeatable as needed. As a result, combinations of maker panels or biomarkers have been established for clinical application in recent years, leading to a dramatic drop in the number of biopsies conducted. These markers include indirect indicators linked to liver injury and/or a deterioration in liver function, as well as direct indicators that may show alterations in the ECM structure. While there is ongoing debate on the diagnostic utility and accuracy of these techniques, preliminary data indicates that they may be at least as effective as liver biopsy.
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