Answering your frequently asked questions

The Oncoguard^® Liver test is a lab test that detects markers in the blood that are associated with the most common form of liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC.

• The Oncoguard^® Liver test is a blood-based test performed on samples collected through a routine blood draw that can take place in your doctor’s office or another blood draw location. 
• Samples are sent to our laboratory for testing to look for specific DNA and protein components in the blood that are associated with the most common form of liver cancer, called hepatocellular carcinoma or HCC.

There is nothing special that you need to do to prepare for the Oncoguard^® Liver test.

Healthcare providers often use imaging procedures such as ultrasound or CT/MRI to detect liver cancer. These procedures help them see images from inside your body that help them detect cancer. Providers may combine these imaging procedures with blood tests that look for specific components in the blood that are associated with cancer.

Imaging procedures may not be able to be performed in your provider’s office or at a site near your doctor’s office, and it may take 30 minutes or more to complete. You may also need to avoid eating for 8 to 12 hours before your test.¹

Sometimes the imaging procedures your provider may use to detect liver cancer aren't clear, so they may recommend a different test. ²

The Oncoguard^® Liver test is a simple blood test that can be collected quickly in your healthcare provider’s office or at another location that may be more convenient for you to get tested. The test was shown to be a helpful tool for detecting liver cancer in early stages when there is a better chance for a cure. There is no preparation needed for the test. The test does not require interpretation of images but does provide a simple result that your doctor may use to recommend the next steps in care.

• In a clinical study, the Oncoguard^® Liver test identified 88% of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. It has also been shown to identify 82% of hepatocellular carcinoma in early stages of the disease.³
• False positive and false negative results do occur, and your healthcare provider will interpret the results and recommend the next steps.

Currently, no. The assignment of male or female sex at birth is used to determine the Oncoguard^® Liver test result. We do not currently have data on the performance of the Oncoguard^® Liver test for patients assigned intersex at birth.

Yes. You may be on hormone therapy and still use the Oncoguard^® Liver test. We do not have data on the performance of the test in patients transitioning genders using hormone therapy. If you take the test, we will need to know your sex assigned at birth to determine your Oncoguard^® Liver test result.

• Test results will be given to your healthcare provider typically within a week of your blood samples being received in the laboratory.
• Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your results after they have reviewed them.
• If you are a patient, please contact our Customer Care Center to find out how to gain direct access to your results. 

A high result does not necessarily mean that you have cancer. It means that the Oncoguard^® Liver test found levels of markers in the blood that are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. Your doctor will likely order more tests to help them determine if you have cancer.

• A negative result means that Oncoguard^® Liver test did not find elevated levels of markers in the blood that are associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
• Even though your results are negative, your doctor may ask you to continue to get tested regularly because you are at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Many healthcare providers follow guidelines that recommend testing every 6 months if you are at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.^3,4

An invalid result means that our laboratory was not able to get either a high or negative result when performing the test because of a problem with the sample or the testing process.

Your healthcare provider may ask you to have another blood draw to repeat the test.

• Your healthcare provider will work with you to decide how often you should be tested. Clinical guidelines recommend hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance testing every 3-6 months.^4,5
• Your healthcare provider will work with you to determine the type of test they want to use to see if you may have cancer. They may order the Oncoguard^® Liver test.

Many healthcare providers follow guidelines that recommend testing every 3-6 months for people who are at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer. ^4,5

Following through with regular testing to help detect hepatocellular carcinoma is important and gives you the best chance to find it in the early stages when a cure may be possible.

If you do not have an appointment scheduled for regular testing, you may want to call your healthcare provider to see if they would like you to get tested.

At this time, the Oncoguard^® Liver test is not covered by most major insurers, including Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or Medicaid.

We are working with insurance companies on an ongoing basis to gain coverage, and more information will be provided as coverage expands.

We are committed to offering support to protect you from high costs.  

If you receive a bill for the Oncoguard^® Liver test, you are encouraged to call 1-844-870-8870 and speak with a member of our Customer Care Center to learn about the support we offer, including coverage appeals support, payment plans, or potential eligibility for our Patient Assistance Program.

• It is difficult to tell you if or what you may need to pay for the Oncoguard^® Liver test. The price you pay may be dependent on several factors, such as:
  • If you have insurance or not
  • Your insurance plan coverage for laboratory tests, specifically, the Oncoguard^® Liver test
• If you receive a bill for the Oncoguard^® Liver test, you are encouraged to call 1-844-870-8870 and speak with a member of our Customer Care Center to learn about the support we offer, including coverage appeals support, payment plans, or potential eligibility for our Patient Assistance Program.

We are committed to offering support to protect you from high costs. If you receive a bill for the Oncoguard^® Liver test that you can’t afford to pay, please call 1-844-870-8870 and speak with a member of our Customer Care Center to learn about the support we offer, including coverage appeals support, payment plans, or eligibility for our Patient Assistance Program.