Prioritize Platelet Counts in Liver Disease Assessment

When evaluating liver disease, the most crucial test is the platelet count, which is central to assessing prognosis and the likelihood of advanced fibrosis. After this, it is important to test for hepatitis B and C due to available treatments and vaccines. Caution should be taken with ferritin tests, as the predominant cause of elevated ferritin in the U.S. is not hemochromatosis, but rather MASLD, indicating liver inflammation. A targeted approach based on patient history and presentation can lead to more accurate diagnoses.