Liver function tests help to diagnose and monitor liver-related issues. They measure the enzyme levels and proteins in your blood. Some of these tests are done to know the functioning of the liver. It determines how well the liver is performing its normal functions like producing proteins and clearing bilirubin.
If the liver function tests are not normal it doesn’t always mean that the person suffers from liver disease. Your doctor is the best judge of deciphering the results and diagnosing you.
Thus, the doctor will advise you on some tests. Accurate results are necessary to arrive at a perfect diagnosis. So, if you are hunting for the best diagnostic center in Pune, Sunrise Diagnostic is the right choice. If you are recommended a full body check or any particular test you can trust and rely on us.
The liver is the most important organ of your body and performs crucial functions. It breaks down food, purifies your blood, produces proteins, and stores energy. Sometimes the skin looks yellow or a slurred speech is observed. These could be signs that something has gone wrong with your liver. This indicates the necessity of a liver test.
Table of Contents
Liver function tests:
What does a liver function test include?
It measures the different enzymes, proteins, and other substances produced by the liver. These checks indicate the health of your liver. Different substances are tested by taking a single blood sample and they include:
Albumin:
It is one of the proteins produced by the liver. Your body requires proteins to fight infections and for other functions. Low albumin and total protein levels might indicate a liver disease.
Also Read: All You Need To Know About Lipid Profile Test Pune
Different enzymes produced by the liver:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) –
It is an enzyme in the liver that converts proteins into energy. In case the liver gets damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, and the level increases.
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) –
It is an enzyme found in the blood. If the levels are higher than normal it indicates liver or bile duct damage.
- Aspartate transaminase (AST) –
AST helps to metabolize amino acids and it is usually present in the blood at low levels. If the AST levels rise it might be due to liver damage, disease, or muscle damage.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) –
ALP is an enzyme in the liver and bone. It contributes significantly to breaking down proteins. If the ALP is high, it indicates liver damage or diseases like blocked bile ducts or particular bone diseases.
- L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD) –
It is an enzyme in the liver. High levels indicate liver damage or any other disorder. This is an enzyme found in most body cells. LD gets released in the blood when cells are damaged due to some injury or disease.
If any of these levels are outside the normal range it might indicate a liver disease.
Total protein:
It is the total amount of proteins in the blood.
Prothrombin time:
A protein that is part of the blood clotting. Increased levels of PT indicate liver damage or the reason could be blood thinning drugs.
Bilirubin:
It is a waste product made by the liver. It is a substance produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in stools. High bilirubin might lead to liver damage or disease or some type of anemia.
Why would your doctor recommend a Liver Function test?
The doctor might ask you to opt for a liver function test to diagnose a liver disease like hepatitis an illness where the liver swells to result in serious health issues.
Other symptoms with regard to liver issues are as follows:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Dark urine
- Light colored poop
- Belly swelling
- Weakness
- Lack of appetite
Often no symptoms can be noticed. But your doctor might order a liver test if there are any possibilities of you suffering from liver disease. Such cases are as follows:
- If you are a heavy alcohol drinker.
- Your family member suffers from liver disease.
- You suffer from gallbladder disease or anemia.
- In case you consume medicines that can affect your liver health.
- You are overweight, or have blood pressure or diabetes.
The liver test can guide the doctor to find out whether any treatment is getting worse or showing desired results.
What happens during a liver function test?
A doctor or a healthcare provider will use a thin needle to take a bit of blood, from your arm just near your elbow. You will feel a pinch during this process. Ask the doctor if you need to fast before the liver function test. At times you will be advised to have these tests more than once over a few days or weeks. So, your doctor will observe how the levels change to ensure the diagnosis is correct.
Always choose Sunrise Diagnostic for the best health checkup packages in Pune. It is also one of the best sonography centers in Pune. Get in touch with our expert team to learn more about the services we offer.
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