The Industrial Technology Research Institute has developed a new method to detect liver fibrosis, by using patient's blood samples. With 98 percent accuracy in the early stage of the testing, the examination is also substantially cheaper compared to prices abroad. People will be able to benefit from this new practice in less than three months.

There are several millions Taiwanese who carry Hepatitis B or C. They are at higher risks of liver hardening and liver cancer.

If liver fibrosis can be detected and treated early, the chances of successful recovery are high.

However, only less than 5% of hepatitis patients would do such tests.

Recently, the Industrial Technology Research Institute has developed a new way of examination by locating three biological markers.

Just by examining the blood samples can one's liver fibrosis levels be diagnosed, a way far more accurate than any other available methods in the world. So far, such tests in foreign countries would cost 1000 Euros each, an equivalent of around 50,000 NT dollars.

The institute has transferred the technology to a local business in the hope to bring down the cost to less than 10,000 NT dollars. And it's estimated to be available in Taiwan within three months.