At the MHH, we offer the non-invasive liver function test LiMAx® (Liver MAximum capacity test) across all departments. The test is a non-invasive examination method for determining the current liver function of patients with acute or chronic liver diseases. It is the only test that can quantitatively determine liver function in real time. The LiMAx® test makes it possible to diagnose the extent of liver damage in order to determine the most accurate prognosis of liver disease and, if necessary, to initiate appropriate therapy. The success of a therapy or the course of the liver disease can also be monitored by means of repeated LiMAx® tests.

The LiMAx® is used, for example, in patients with severe liver diseases

•     for evaluation before transplantation or monitoring after transplantation
•     as a screening test for global, quantitative liver function
•     Monitoring of liver-specific therapies (e.g. TIPS) or potentially hepato-toxic local (TACE, SIRT) and systemic (chemotherapy) therapies
•     Prognostic/therapeutic development of liver function
•     Monitoring of liver function in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit or
•     for planning liver surgery

The measuring principle is based on the conversion of an intravenously applied active substance (¹³C-methacetin). This is converted in the liver exclusively by the enzyme CYP 1A2 to paracetamol and ¹³CO2. This allows accurate conclusions to be drawn about the synthesis performance of the liver.

The test is simple, complication-free and can be repeated at any time at the patient's bedside (even on ventilated patients in intensive care).

The prerequisite for performing the LiMAx® is that the patient has been fasting for at least 3 hours before the measurement (water WITHOUT carbonic acid is permitted). Furthermore, the patient must have a venous access. The measurement itself is performed directly at the patient's bedside and takes about 45 minutes. The test is registered via the ACH in SAP (ACH-HEPL).

If you have any questions about the measurement, you can contact Kathrin Reinsch (Tel. intern 17-6924) or Prof. Dr. Vondran at any time.
Alternatively, you can send us a request via the specially set up email address limax@mh-hannover.de.