The Genetics Podcast EP 233: Unlocking early detection in liver disease with data and genetics with Tim Jobson of Predictive Health Intelligence
Apr 2, 2026
Tim Jobson, consultant gastroenterologist and Medical Director at Predictive Health Intelligence, focuses on early detection of metabolic liver disease. He discusses using routine clinical data and genetics to find hidden liver disease sooner. The LiveWell study, combining algorithms, genetics and imaging, could reshape risk stratification and streamline clinical trial recruitment.
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Historic Blood Tests Contain Missed Longitudinal Signals
- Routine primary care blood tests contain subtle longitudinal signals of liver disease that are often missed amid volume and noise.
- Public and patient groups strongly supported algorithmic review of historic bloods, prompting invitation letters and clinic reviews.
Test Genetically For Suspected Hemochromatosis
- Test for hereditary hemochromatosis when iron overload is suspected because common mutations explain ~99% of cases and allow family screening and early treatment.
- Use genotype to confirm diagnosis and guide management rather than relying solely on phenotype.
Alpha-1 Genotypes Are Underused But Clinically Relevant
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin genotypes are underdiagnosed; heterozygotes act as cofactors that increase liver disease risk but clinical use of this info is still emerging.
- Somerset data suggest many homozygotes are missed, and genotypes can inform fibrosis assessment and trajectory.