Descriptions

Liver Function Test

What's this test?

The test for liver function is a series of blood tests that are used to check the functioning of the liver and determine the extent of inflammation or damage to the liver. The test can help in diagnosing a liver disorder or liver issue. The test also determines the number of specific proteins and enzymes present in the blood. Certain tests help to determine the effectiveness of the liver's functions, such as producing proteins, eliminating waste products from the blood, such as the Bilirubin, and other tests measure the number of enzymes that are created by the liver, which could be a sign of damage to the liver.

What is the Liver and What are its Functions?

It is the most vital organ inside the body. It's reddish-brown and can weigh up to 3 pounds. The gallbladder sits at the base of the liver, along with the pancreas and intestinal tracts.

The liver and the organs attached aid in a digest, absorption in the processing and absorption of foods. The liver filters blood out of the digestive tract. It transfers the blood it has filtered to the other parts of the body.

The liver also produces proteins that aid in blood clotting, and albumin is an important protein found in blood serum, which transports fatty acids and steroids. It also metabolizes and absorbs Bilirubin. Bilirubin is created as a consequence of the degraded haemoglobin.

The liver stores iron released by hemoglobin and makes new red blood cells. It also assists in fat metabolism in breaking down fats, enabling them to be easy to digest.

Liver stores carbohydrates, which can be converted into glucose and then utilized for energy when required. It also removes blood from the waste products produced, such as alcohol and other drugs. Vitamin And D, E B12, and K are stored in the liver.

Importance of Test for Liver Function:

Liver function tests are typically utilized to assess how severe a particular disease such as alcoholic hepatitis or viral hepatitis is. They are used to identify liver diseases such as hepatitis and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) and assess the efficacy of treatment and determine the adverse effects of certain medications.

Tests for the function of the liver consist of these tests:

• Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. The amount of albumin can tell how the liver is producing enough albumin.
• Total protein- measures the number of proteins created in the liver. Albumin and globulin are the two most important proteins produced by the liver.
• Total Bilirubin - Bilirubin is a yellow colour found in the blood. It travels through the liver before being eliminated. The presence of elevated levels could indicate damage to the liver or liver diseases.
• Aspartate Transaminase (AST) is an enzyme that metabolizes Alanine, a form of amino acid. A high level of AST could be a sign of damage to the liver or liver diseases.
• Alanine transaminase (ALT) This enzyme converts protein into its metabolite. A high level of ALT could indicate damage to the liver or liver disease.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in the bones, liver and bile ducts. ALP levels that are high indicate damages to the liver or disease.
• Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)- It is an enzyme in the liver used for estimating bile duct problems.

Why is this Test being Conducted?

This test might be recommended to you if you are experiencing specific symptoms such as dark-coloured urine as well as nausea, diarrhoea and nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite as well as yellow-coloured eyes and skin and eyes, bloody or light-coloured stool, abdominal swelling or abdomen, fluid accumulation (ascites) ascites, pain in the abdomen, fatigue as well as weight loss or increase and so on. This test might be suggested if you have a previous history of viral hepatitis or a family history of liver disease, drink too much alcohol, or take any medication that can harm the liver function.

Test Parameters for Pathology

• Albumin
• Total Bilirubin
• Total albumin
• Transaminase aspartate
• Alanine transaminase
• Alkaline phosphatase
• Gamma-glutamyltransferase

Also called Blood of Liver Function, also known as Liver Function Profile tests for Liver Function.

Test Preparation

Before your LFT Test, inform your physician if you are taking any medication or suffering from allergies or medical issues. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your medical health condition regarding how to prepare for the LFT Test.

Ascertain medicines and foods could interfere with your test results. It is up to your doctor to request you to be fasting for between 10 and 12 hours or after eating before the test, without food, drinks, food or medications.

Understanding your Test Results

The typical test results could be different depending on gender, age or health history.

Your doctor might recommend additional tests based on the results.

Gender Age groups Value

MALE       All ages 7.55 to 75 units/ 1 litre

MALE        All ages 8 to 48 U/L

MALE         All ages 45 - 115U/L

MALE         All ages 3.5 - 5 g/dl

MALE          All ages 6.3 - 7.9g/dl

MALE          All ages 0.1 - 1.2 mg/dl

MALE           All ages 9 - 48U/L

MALE            All ages 122 - 222U/L

MALE All ages 9.5 -- 13.8 seconds