Patient Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about the HelioLiver LDT, including eligibility, testing, results, billing, privacy, and what to expect throughout the testing process.
Answers to Your Questions About HelioLiver
Whether you’re considering the HelioLiver LDT or preparing for your next test, it’s natural to have questions. We’ve gathered the answers to what patients ask most, with all medical and regulatory details kept exactly as provided.
The questions below are grouped into easy-to-navigate categories — Getting the Test, About the Test, Billing, and Privacy & Security — so you can jump straight to what matters most to you.
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Getting the Test
Who the HelioLiver LDT is for, where to get it, and what to expect from the blood draw and results.
Who is eligible to take the HelioLiver LDT?
HelioLiver LDT is designed for patients at risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common type of liver cancer), including those with pre-existing cirrhosis. Risk factors for cirrhosis include chronic hepatitis B or hepatitis C, excessive alcohol use, and fatty liver disease (MASLD/NAFLD). Less-prevalent conditions, such as hereditary hemochromatosis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and Wilson’s disease, are also associated with HCC development.
Where can I go to get the HelioLiver LDT?
Any prescribing provider can order the HelioLiver LDT for you. Our team is available to supply offices with kits in time for your next appointment. Ask your doctor if this test is right for you.
How much blood does the HelioLiver LDT require?
The HelioLiver LDT requires 2 x 10 mL whole blood samples and 1 x 8.5 mL serum sample. The blood draw is a simple, routine procedure.
How fast will I get my results?
Your provider will reach out to you once your results are ready, within 10 to 14 days.
How do I get the HelioLiver LDT?
Ask your physician or local lab about the test. It can be performed the same day as your visit if they have it on hand. If they don’t have one, they can order it online.
Why is it important to get tested every six months?
Given the nature of liver cancer, experts recommend continued testing at least once every six months to monitor for signs of early liver cancer.
About the Test
How HelioLiver detects liver cancer, what DNA methylation is, and what your results mean.
How does the HelioLiver LDT find cancer?
Your cells regularly release protein markers and DNA into your bloodstream. When your sample arrives at our lab, we look for and analyse these markers to determine whether they came from a normal cell or a cancerous one.
HelioLiver is a simple blood test that reads DNA methylation patterns, the signals that can reveal cancer early.
What is DNA methylation?
DNA methylation is a natural process in which methyl groups combine with DNA molecules. Cancer is often accompanied by changes to the methylation pattern in a cell, which is why the HelioLiver test checks these patterns for abnormalities.
What does it mean if my test result is “abnormal”?
An “abnormal” result indicates a higher likelihood that HCC is present in your sample. Follow-up imaging (MRI or CT) is recommended to confirm a diagnosis.
What does it mean if my test result is “normal”?
A “normal” result indicates that HCC was not detected in your sample. A follow-up visit in six months is recommended.
Why do I need additional testing if my result is “abnormal”?
Abnormalities may be caused by something other than HCC, so further testing is needed for confirmation.
Why do I need to take another HelioLiver LDT even if my result is normal?
The HelioLiver LDT checks for signs of liver cancer at the time of the blood draw and is recommended for patients at high risk. Given the nature of liver cancer, routine follow-up testing is recommended to ensure continual surveillance.
Billing
Payment options, insurance, and support so cost is not a barrier to testing.
Who can I talk to about billing?
All billing questions are handled directly by HelioLiver. Our friendly and experienced staff will walk you through the entire billing process and answer any questions. For all billing questions, email info@heliogenomics.com.
What are my payment options?
We currently accept three types of payment: insurance, institutional billing, and patient self-pay.
How much does the HelioLiver LDT cost?
For current pricing and payment options, please reach out to info@heliogenomics.com.
Does the HelioLiver LDT take insurance?
We accept all commercial and public insurances and are in-network with most major commercial payers. Once your HelioLiver LDT is performed, your insurance may send you an EOB (Explanation of Benefits). An EOB is not a bill; it’s a summary of how much your insurance company paid for a claim. In some cases, an insurance company will send you a check for payment of the services provided. For more information, email info@heliogenomics.com.
What happens if I do not have insurance?
We offer an affordable self-pay cash rate for patients without insurance, and we’ll work with you so that cost is not a barrier to testing. For more information, email info@heliogenomics.com.
What if I can’t afford this test?
We are committed to helping all patients get the care they need. Our Compassionate Care Program is for patients who are uninsured or concerned about their ability to pay for the HelioLiver LDT. For more information, please contact us at info@heliogenomics.com.
For current pricing and billing assistance, contact the HelioLiver team at info@heliogenomics.com. Our staff can walk you through payment options, insurance, and our Compassionate Care Program.
Privacy & Security
How we protect your personal information and who can access your results.
How does HelioLiver LDT handle my information?
We know how sensitive your personal data is, which is why we treat it with the utmost care and responsibility. For more information about this and other privacy-related questions, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
HelioLiver never sells your personal information or data. We take your privacy very seriously. Under California’s Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), effective January 1, 2020, California residents have the right to opt out of the sale of their personal information.
While we do not sell any customer data, our website uses cookies to improve user experience, track anonymous site usage, store authorization tokens, support usability and marketing, and permit voluntary sharing on social media (see our Privacy Policy for full details). Please note: if you opt out of these cookies and trackers, your web experience may be degraded.
Who will have access to my results?
Only your physician will have access to your results. For more information about this and other privacy-related questions, please refer to our Privacy Policy.
For full details on how your information is collected, used, and protected, please review our Privacy Policy.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help you better understand the HelioLiver LDT and guide you through the testing process.