Siemens receives CE Mark for new liver fibrosis test

Siemens has been granted CE Mark accreditation for its new Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) testing system.

The device is the first automated and standardised direct biomarker panel for liver fibrosis, a prominent indicator of liver disease, and is now available for sale in Europe.

Clinically validated on an Immuno-1 auto analyser in an international study, the ELF test is designed to be quick, reliable and minimally invasive, delivering test results in less than an hour.

According to the manufacturer, this represents a significant improvement on liver biopsies, which can be difficult to interpret and uncomfortable for the patient.

Dave Hickey, chief executive officer for chemistry, immunoassay, automation and diagnostics IT at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics, said: "Siemens provides an additional tool to physicians to aid them to easily assess the severity of liver fibrosis in their patients with chronic liver disease."

Last month, the company announced that it has expanded the functionality of its VersaCell sample management technology, offering compatibility with the Dimension EXL 200 integrated chemistry system for the first time.