HepaSense AI Blood Test Detects Silent Liver Disease Early
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have developed HepaSense, an AI blood test for early liver disease detection. The test analyzes tiny DNA fragments in blood. As a result, it may detect liver fibrosis and cirrhosis before symptoms appear. Scientists studied cell-free DNA from more than 1,500 people. They tracked how DNA fragments change in size and location. In addition, they used machine learning to find disease patterns. Therefore, the system can highlight early signs of liver damage.
AI Finds Hidden Disease Signals
The team did not focus only on cancer mutations. Instead, they studied the full “fragmentome. ”This shows how DNA breaks apart across the body. Machine learning reviewed nearly 40 million DNA fragments per sample. Therefore, it identified patterns linked to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The test showed strong accuracy in early trials. However, researchers say more validation is still needed. In addition, the same approach may help detect other diseases. These may include inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions.
Early Detection Can Improve Care
Many people do not know they have liver disease. Current tests often detect it too late. In addition, imaging scans are costly and not widely available. Therefore, HepaSense may offer a simpler screening option. Early diagnosis can help doctors treat patients sooner. It may also prevent serious complications like liver cancer. However, the test is still in the research stage. Scientists plan larger studies to improve accuracy. They also want to test its use in real hospitals. Experts believe this method could change disease screening. It may support faster, earlier, and more accessible diagnosis in the future.
