What Are Liver Function Tests?

These are blood tests that measure substances produced by your liver. These tests provide essential information about your liver’s health and how well it is functioning.

To assess liver function, a liver panel typically includes several substances, such as enzymes, proteins, and byproducts.

What Are the Primary Liver Function Tests?

Standard liver tests include:

• Liver Enzyme Tests: These measure enzymes like ALT, AST, ALP, and GGT, which increase when the liver is injured.
• Total Protein Test: This measures protein levels in your blood, which your liver produces. Low levels may indicate liver dysfunction.
• Bilirubin Test: Bilirubin is a waste product that the liver processes. High levels can indicate liver problems.
• LDH Test: Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme found in various tissues, including the liver.
• Prothrombin Time (PT) Test: This test measures how long it takes your blood to clot, which depends on proteins made by the liver.

When Are Liver Function Tests Done?

These tests are commonly done to screen for liver diseases such as hepatitis, monitor existing liver conditions, or track the effects of medications that could impact liver function.

They may also be used to monitor disease progression or assess the effectiveness of treatments.

How Do Liver Function Tests Work?

A healthcare provider draws a blood sample from your arm, which is then sent to a lab for analysis.

The lab checks for abnormally high or low levels of enzymes, proteins, or byproducts in your blood.

The results can help your healthcare provider understand what might affect your liver’s health.

What Can Liver Function Tests Diagnose?

While liver function tests can’t definitively diagnose specific liver diseases, they can help point to potential issues.

These tests may help diagnose conditions such as:

• Fatty liver disease
• Hepatitis (viral, toxic, autoimmune)
• Cirrhosis
• Liver cancer
• Hemochromatosis or Wilson’s disease
• Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC)

How to Interpret the Results?

Your doctor will review your test results and explain what elevated or low levels mean for your liver’s health.

Elevated AST and ALT levels often indicate liver injury, with differences in their ratios helping identify the cause.

However, further tests like imaging or biopsies may be needed for a conclusive diagnosis.

Take Control of Your Liver Health Today!

Assure Diagnostics offers comprehensive liver function testing to help monitor and protect your liver health. Whether you’re managing an existing condition or looking for early signs of liver disease, our expert team is here to guide you.

Book your liver function test today at Assure Diagnostics and take the first step towards better liver health!