All You Need To Know About The Liver Function Test & Why You Need It

Posted by Healthians on September 4th, 2021

What is a liver function test?

By evaluating the amounts of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood, liver function tests, often known as liver chemistries, can assist evaluate the health of your liver.

In the following conditions, a Liver Function Test is frequently recommended:

• To identify liver damage from Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C

• If symptoms of a liver order are present

• In case of excessive alcohol consumption

• In the case of gall bladder disease

• In case of certain medical conditions, such as hypertension, anemia, diabetes, and high cholesterol

The ALT and AST tests detect enzymes released by your liver in response to injury or illness. The albumin test assesses the liver\'s ability to produce albumin, whereas the bilirubin test assesses its ability to eliminate bilirubin. ALP can be used to assess the liver\'s bile duct system.

Abnormal findings on any of these liver tests usually necessitate further investigation to establish the reason for the abnormalities. The presence of even modestly increased findings can indicate the presence of liver disease. These enzymes, however, can be present in locations other than the liver.

Your liver performs a variety of functions that are critical to your health. It aids in the digestion of food, the cleansing of the blood, the production of proteins, and the storage of energy. You may experience a variety of symptoms, ranging from yellow skin to slurred speech if something goes wrong with it. You could require a liver test at that point.

Some of the common symptoms of liver illnesses include: 

• Vomiting

• Nausea

• Dark-colored urine

• Jaundices eyes and skin

• Persistent weakness

• Loss of weight

• Diarrhea

• Collection of fluid in the stomach

What happens during a liver function test?

A tiny needle is used by your doctor to draw a small quantity of blood from your arm near your elbow. When the needle is inserted, you will feel a squeeze or sting.

These tests will most likely be repeated over the course of a few days or weeks. To be confident of your condition, your doctor can check how levels fluctuate. You can obtain results in a few hours if you have your test at a facility that has a lab on-site. It might take a few days if this is not the case.

Along with your data, the results generally include normal values for the specific test. Keep in mind that what is typical in one lab may not be the same in another. It also depends on whether or not you\'re a man or a woman.

A liver test by itself cannot determine whether or not you have a specific ailment. Your doctor can explain the significance of your results to you.