For Hepatologists and Gastroenterologists
What is HepaBuddy?
HepaBuddy is a user-friendly, point-of-care device designed to streamline the screening and diagnosis of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE) using the critical flicker fusion (CFF) test.
What is the accuracy, Specificity, Sensitivity of HepaBuddy?
Accuracy: 95%, Sensitivity: 95%, Specificity: 85%
Is HepaBuddy secured for Patient information & Hospital EMR?
Yes, HepaBuddy is HIPPA Compliant & ABHA Compliant.
What is the critical flicker fusion (CFF) test?
The CFF test measures the frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as steady by the patient. This test is a reliable indicator of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, helping to identify cognitive impairments associated with liver disease.
How does HepaBuddy benefit clinical practice?
HepaBuddy aids in making informed decisions about medication dosages, checking patient adherence to treatment, and establishing a baseline for HE-related CFF scores. This integration into routine screening protocols ensures comprehensive patient care.
Is HepaBuddy easy to use in a clinical setting?
Yes, HepaBuddy with portable designe is only 2.5 Kgs making it user-friendly and efficient, making it easy to incorporate into routine clinical practice without requiring extensive training or setup or skilled staff and no specialised room or ambient lights..
How does HepaBuddy reproduce accurate & repeated results?
Hepabuddy measures objectively visual mental cognition. Customization option in Test set up allows to change default setting for step duration, mode, color of the light, frequency range etc, that changes the input signal which a patient cannot predict and manipulate the result omitting the learning effect.
How does HepaBuddy support decision-making for medication dosage?
HepaBuddy Dashboard stores baseline data & following test data on mHE status, helping physicians make informed decisions about adjusting medication dosages to optimize patient care.
What are the technical specifications of HepaBuddy?
For detailed technical specifications, please refer to our product documentation or contact our support team.
How can I get HepaBuddy for my practice?
To acquire HepaBuddy or for more information, please visit our Contact Us page or reach out to our sales team directly.
Is there training available for using HepaBuddy?
Yes, we offer comprehensive training sessions to ensure that healthcare professionals are well-equipped to use HepaBuddy effectively in their practice. Also, Dashboard has Tutorial for Patient & Staff training in detail that allows technician to conduct test smoothly.
What kind of support is available for HepaBuddy users?
We provide ongoing support through our dedicated customer service team, including troubleshooting, maintenance, and updates to ensure optimal performance of HepaBuddy.
Who can benefit from using HepaBuddy?
HepaBuddy is designed for use by hepatologists and gastroenterologists to screen and monitor patients with liver disease for minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE)..
Are there any contraindications for using the CFF test with HepaBuddy?
Yes, certain conditions may contraindicate the use of the CFF test with HepaBuddy. These include severe visual impairments, uncorrected vision problems, and certain neurological disorders that affect visual processing.
Is the CFF test safe for all patients?
The CFF test is generally safe for most patients. However, patients with severe visual impairments or certain neurological conditions should be assessed on an individual basis to determine if the test is appropriate.
Can HepaBuddy be used for patients with other types of hepatic encephalopathy?
HepaBuddy is specifically designed for the detection and monitoring of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE). For other types of hepatic encephalopathy, different diagnostic methods may be required.
What should be done if a patient cannot complete the CFF test?
If a patient cannot complete the CFF test due to visual or cognitive limitations, alternative methods for assessing hepatic encephalopathy should be considered.
How often should patients undergo the CFF test with HepaBuddy?
The frequency of CFF testing with HepaBuddy should be determined by the treating physician based on the patient's clinical condition and risk factors for mHE.
Can the CFF test results from HepaBuddy be used for research purposes?
Yes, the data obtained from HepaBuddy can be valuable for research on minimal hepatic encephalopathy and related cognitive impairments in liver disease patients.
What support is available if there are issues with the CFF test or HepaBuddy device?
Our customer support team is available to assist with any issues related to the CFF test or the HepaBuddy device. Please contact our support team for troubleshooting and maintenance service
How HepaBuddy is Better Than PHES Testing
What is PHES testing?
The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score (PHES) is a battery of neuropsychological tests used to assess cognitive function and diagnose minimal hepatic encephalopathy (mHE). It includes tests like number connection, digit symbol, serial dotting, and line tracing.
How is HepaBuddy different from PHES testing?
HepaBuddy uses the critical flicker fusion (CFF) test, a non-invasive, objective measure of visual processing speed, while PHES relies on multiple neuropsychological tests that are more subjective and time-consuming.
Why is HepaBuddy considered better than PHES testing?
HepaBuddy offers several advantages over PHES testing, including:
- Speed: The CFF test with HepaBuddy can be completed in a few minutes, whereas PHES testing can take significantly longer.
- Objectivity: HepaBuddy provides objective, quantifiable results, reducing the potential for observer bias inherent in PHES testing.
- Ease of Use: HepaBuddy is user-friendly and requires less training and expertise compared to administering and interpreting PHES tests.
- Consistency: The CFF test with HepaBuddy ensures consistent results, while PHES outcomes can vary based on patient effort and examiner skill.
How does HepaBuddy improve patient compliance compared to PHES testing?
HepaBuddy's quick and straightforward testing process is more comfortable for patients, leading to higher compliance rates. In contrast, the longer and more complex PHES testing can be burdensome, resulting in lower patient adherence.
Is HepaBuddy more reliable than PHES testing?
Yes, HepaBuddy's use of the CFF test provides a reliable and reproducible measure of cognitive impairment, whereas PHES testing can be influenced by factors like patient motivation and examiner variability.
Can HepaBuddy be integrated into routine clinical practice more easily than PHES testing?
Absolutely. HepaBuddy's simplicity and efficiency make it well-suited for routine clinical use, allowing for regular monitoring and timely interventions. PHES testing, being more time-consuming and complex, is less practical for frequent use.
Does HepaBuddy require special training like PHES testing?
HepaBuddy is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, requiring minimal training. In contrast, PHES testing requires specific training to administer and interpret the various neuropsychological tests accurately.
How does HepaBuddy handle patient variability compared to PHES testing?
HepaBuddy minimizes the impact of patient variability by focusing on a single, objective measure (CFF). PHES testing, involving multiple tasks, can be more susceptible to variability in patient performance and effort.
Is HepaBuddy more cost-effective than PHES testing?
Yes, HepaBuddy can be more cost-effective in the long run. Its quick and efficient testing process reduces the time and resources required compared to the more labor-intensive PHES testing.
How does HepaBuddy ensure accurate diagnoses of mHE?
HepaBuddy provides precise and consistent measurements of the critical flicker fusion threshold, ensuring accurate and early detection of minimal hepatic encephalopathy, leading to better patient outcomes compared to the more subjective PHES testing.
Uses of HepaBuddy Critical Flicker Fusion Test Beyond Liver Cirrhosis
What is the critical flicker fusion (CFF) test?
The CFF test measures the frequency at which a flickering light is perceived as steady by the patient. It assesses cognitive and neurological function by determining the flicker fusion threshold.
Can HepaBuddy's CFF test be used for conditions other than liver cirrhosis?
Yes, the CFF test can be applied to various neurological and cognitive conditions beyond liver cirrhosis to assess cognitive function and detect impairments.
What are some conditions other than liver cirrhosis where the CFF test is useful?
The CFF test is valuable in conditions such as:
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Assessing cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Evaluating the extent of cognitive impairment post-injury.
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): Monitoring cognitive function and visual processing speed.
- Sleep disorders: Assessing cognitive effects of conditions like sleep apnea.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): Evaluating cognitive dysfunction associated with fatigue.
How does the CFF test benefit patients with neurodegenerative diseases?
The CFF test provides an objective measure of cognitive decline, helping in early detection and monitoring of progression in conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Is the CFF test effective for assessing cognitive function after a traumatic brain injury?
Yes, the CFF test is effective in evaluating cognitive impairments following a traumatic brain injury, aiding in rehabilitation and management strategies.
Can the CFF test be used in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS)?
Absolutely. The CFF test helps monitor cognitive function and visual processing speed in MS patients, providing valuable insights into disease progression and treatment efficacy.
How does the CFF test assist in managing sleep disorders?
The CFF test can assess the cognitive effects of sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea, by evaluating the impact of disrupted sleep on cognitive function.
What role does the CFF test play in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)?
In CFS, the CFF test evaluates cognitive dysfunction associated with fatigue, helping to understand and manage the cognitive aspects of the syndrome.
Are there any contraindications for using the CFF test in these conditions?
The CFF test may not be suitable for patients with severe visual impairments, uncorrected vision problems, or certain neurological disorders affecting visual processing. Each patient should be evaluated individually.
How does HepaBuddy ensure accuracy in CFF testing across different conditions?
HepaBuddy employs a standardized and objective method for measuring the flicker fusion threshold, ensuring consistent and reliable results across various conditions.
Is special training required to use HepaBuddy for CFF testing in these conditions?
HepaBuddy is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal training, making it accessible for use in diverse clinical settings beyond hepatology and gastroenterology.
Can HepaBuddy's CFF test be integrated into routine clinical practice for these conditions?
Yes, HepaBuddy's efficiency and ease of use make it suitable for routine clinical practice, allowing for regular monitoring and timely interventions in various neurological and cognitive conditions.