FIB-4 Calculator

Category: Other Health
- May 15, 2025
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Calculate the FIB-4 Index to assess the risk of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly those with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Patient Information

Laboratory Values

U/L
Normal range: 5-40 U/L for adults
U/L
Normal range: 7-56 U/L for adults
Normal range: 150-450 ×10⁹/L

About the FIB-4 Index

The FIB-4 Index is a non-invasive scoring system used to assess the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease, particularly those with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

FIB-4 Formula

The FIB-4 index is calculated using the following formula:

FIB-4 = (Age [years] × AST [U/L]) / (Platelets [10⁹/L] × √ALT [U/L])

Where:

  • Age is in years
  • AST is aspartate aminotransferase in U/L
  • ALT is alanine aminotransferase in U/L
  • Platelets count in 10⁹/L
  • √ALT is the square root of ALT value
Interpretation of Results

The interpretation of FIB-4 scores varies slightly depending on the underlying liver disease, but generally:

  • FIB-4 < 1.45: Low probability of significant fibrosis (F3-F4)
  • FIB-4 = 1.45-3.25: Indeterminate results, further evaluation may be needed
  • FIB-4 > 3.25: High probability of significant fibrosis (F3-F4)

For patients with NAFLD, different cutoffs may be used:

  • FIB-4 < 1.30: Low risk of advanced fibrosis
  • FIB-4 = 1.30-2.67: Indeterminate risk
  • FIB-4 > 2.67: High risk of advanced fibrosis
Clinical Applications
  • Initial assessment of fibrosis severity in patients with chronic liver disease
  • Prioritizing patients for specialist referral and further evaluation
  • Monitoring progression of liver fibrosis over time
  • Reducing the need for liver biopsies in select patients
  • Stratifying risk in population screening programs
Limitations
  • Not disease-specific and may be influenced by various factors
  • Accuracy may vary with age (less accurate in older patients)
  • Moderate sensitivity and specificity in the indeterminate range
  • Cannot distinguish between intermediate stages of fibrosis
  • Should be used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings

This calculator is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

What Is the FIB-4 Calculator?

The FIB-4 Calculator is a clinical tool that helps estimate the level of liver fibrosis in individuals with chronic liver disease. It is especially useful for those affected by hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). By analyzing a few simple lab results and a patient's age, the tool provides a numerical index that can help guide decisions on whether further evaluation is necessary.

Similar to how a GFR Calculator helps monitor kidney function or a Blood Pressure Calculator supports cardiovascular tracking, this tool helps assess liver Health non-invasively.

FIB-4 = (Age [years] × AST [U/L]) / (Platelets [10⁹/L] × √ALT [U/L])

How to Use the Calculator

To use the FIB-4 Calculator, follow these steps:

  • Enter the patient’s age in years.
  • Input AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) and ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) levels in U/L.
  • Enter the platelet count (×10⁹/L).
  • Click the "Calculate FIB-4" button to generate results.
  • The tool will display the FIB-4 score, risk interpretation, and clinical recommendations.

Why This Calculator Is Helpful

The FIB-4 score helps identify the risk of advanced liver fibrosis without requiring a biopsy. This is especially valuable in clinical settings where more invasive testing may be unnecessary or unavailable.

  • Quick assessment: Provides instant insight based on routine lab data.
  • Non-invasive: No imaging or liver biopsy needed for initial evaluation.
  • Risk stratification: Helps decide if a patient should be referred for further testing.
  • Cost-effective: Reduces unnecessary procedures and speeds up decision-making.

Understanding the Results

The calculator places results into categories:

  • FIB-4 < 1.45: Low probability of significant fibrosis
  • FIB-4 between 1.45 and 3.25: Indeterminate — further tests may be needed
  • FIB-4 > 3.25: High probability of advanced fibrosis

For individuals with NAFLD, alternate thresholds may apply, reflecting the variability in liver disease types.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is the FIB-4 Calculator a diagnostic test?

No. It is a screening tool used to estimate the likelihood of liver fibrosis. Results should be interpreted alongside Other clinical data.

Can this tool replace a liver biopsy?

In some cases, yes. A low score may reduce the need for further testing, while higher or indeterminate scores often lead to more advanced evaluation.

What makes this different from other calculators like a Mentzer Index or Corrected Calcium Calculator?

Each tool targets different health assessments. The FIB-4 focuses on liver fibrosis, while others like the Mentzer Index Calculator assess anemia, and the Corrected Calcium Calculator adjusts calcium levels based on albumin levels.

Does age affect the result?

Yes. Since age is part of the formula, it can significantly influence the score. Older adults may have slightly less accurate results in the indeterminate range.

Is it similar to a Body Surface Area Calculator or Child-Pugh Calculator?

While all are clinical tools, each serves a unique purpose. The FIB-4 focuses on liver fibrosis risk, while the Body Surface Area Calculator is often used in medication dosing, and the Child-Pugh Calculator assesses liver disease severity and prognosis.

Who Should Use the FIB-4 Calculator?

This tool is useful for:

  • Primary care physicians evaluating liver health
  • Specialists monitoring hepatitis or NAFLD
  • Public health workers managing liver screening programs
  • Patients curious about liver fibrosis risk

Summary

The FIB-4 Calculator is a practical and user-friendly tool to estimate liver fibrosis risk using age, AST, ALT, and platelet levels. Like tools that help track blood pressure or estimate GFR, this calculator supports better healthcare decisions through simple inputs and informative results.

Whether you're a clinician or an individual monitoring health, this tool adds value by making complex medical estimation accessible. It belongs alongside other helpful resources like the Baby Growth Chart, Paracetamol Dosage Calculator, and Opioid Conversion Calculator — giving people better tools to make informed health decisions.