Liver Health Check: Which Tests Can Assess Liver Function?
Liver function blood tests are used to find the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing and to monitor your liver damage or disease. These tests measure the amounts of certain proteins and enzymes in your blood. Moreover, some of these tests also measure the way your liver is functioning in its regular processes of clearing bilirubin and producing protein. Additionally, some liver function tests also measure enzymes released by liver cells in response to disease or damage.
However, an irregular result of your liver function test doesn’t always indicate a liver disease. You can also search and compare LFT test price in Mumbai and book one that suits your needs.
When Do You Need A Liver Function Test?
Liver function tests are also covered in a common blood test known as a comprehensive metabolic panel. However, it is up to you which LFT test cost in mumbai suits your budget and need as per the symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of liver damage or disease that make it essential for you to go for a liver function test are as follows:
- Lack of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness
- Swelling or pain in your abdomen
- Jaundice
- Swelling in your legs and ankles
- Light colored stool or dark colored urine
- Frequent
If you don’t have any of the symptoms given above, you might still require a liver function test due to some of the high-risk health conditions given below:
- Obesity
- Family history of liver diseases
- Diabetes
- Alcohol use disorder
- Consuming certain medications causing liver damage
- Hepatitis
Those already suffering from liver disease must search for ‘LFT test price Mumbai’, book a test and get themselves monitored or tested regularly to analyse how well the treatment is working.
Which Test Can Assess Liver Function?
Liver function tests monitor the levels of certain proteins and enzymes present in your blood. Levels that are lower or higher than usual indicate liver issues. Some of the liver function tests that assess the health of your liver include the following:
- Alanine transaminase: ALT is an enzyme present in the liver. It helps transform proteins into energy for your liver cells. When the liver gets damaged, this enzyme gets released into the bloodstream, and its levels increase.
- Aspartate transaminase: AST is an enzyme through which the body breaks down amino acids. Just like ALT, this enzyme is also present in the blood; however, at low levels. When the levels of AST increase, it indicates liver disease, liver damage or muscle damage.
- Alkaline phosphatase: ALP is an enzyme present in the bone and liver. It is essential to break down proteins. In case of higher than normal ALP levels, you may be a victim of liver disease or liver damage, such as certain bone diseases or a blocked bile duct, as this enzyme is also found in bones.
- Bilirubin: It is a substance created when the red blood cells break down. Bilirubin passes through your liver and gets excreted through stool. Higher levels of this substance mean liver disease or damage. Certain conditions, like liver duct blockage or anemia, can also occur due to high levels of bilirubin.
- Total protein and albumin: Albumin is among the many proteins produced in the liver. Your body requires such proteins to perform certain functions and fight infections. Lower levels of total protein and albumin may indicate liver disease or damage. Moreover, low levels of albumin may also be found in other kidney-related conditions and gastrointestinal.
- L-lactate dehydrogenase: LD is a type of enzyme present in the liver. Its high levels indicate liver damage. However, some other health conditions can also cause high levels of this enzyme.
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase: The GGT enzyme is found in the blood. Its high levels mean bile duct damage or liver damage. It is a non-specific test and can also be elevated in other health conditions apart from liver diseases.
- Prothrombin time: PT is the time duration consumed by your blood to clot. Liver damage can also be caused because of increased PT. However, it also increases when a person is consuming blood-thinning medication like warfarin.
- Conclusion
Liver function tests are the simplest methods that your healthcare provider can suggest to monitor your liver function. Whether you want to test the effects of a treatment or medication or are looking for a liver disease, it takes only a small amount of your blood to get ample information about your liver.