A 68-year-old woman from Mumbai with a history of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh B, HBsAg positive) undergoes surveillance ultrasound for hepatocellular carcinoma screening. Imaging shows a 2.8 cm hypoattenuating nodule in the right lobe of the liver with arterial phase enhancement on contrast-enhanced CT. Serum AFP is 280 ng/mL (normal <20), and PIVKA-II (des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin) is 150 mAU/mL (normal <40). Liver function tests show mild elevation of transaminases. Based on these findings, which statement best describes the role of PIVKA-II in this clinical scenario?