The Liver Function Test (LFT) is a specific test to determine the health and overall condition of the liver. This procedure, also known as liver chemistries, examines the level of liver enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the blood. Doctors may also have to rely on this test to track the progress of an existing disease’s treatment. Based on liver chemistries, a higher or lower level of one or more of these enzymes or proteins may indicate a liver problem.
Different Types of Liver Function Tests
LFTs are used in a variety of liver tests. Some common tests that are frequently administered include:
Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test: ALT is an enzyme found primarily in your liver. It aids in the digestion of proteins. High levels of ALT in blood may indicate liver damage.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test: ALP is an enzyme found in your liver, bile ducts, and bone. ALP levels above normal indicate liver damage, a blocked bile duct, or bone disease.
Albumin and Total Protein Test: Your liver produces two major enzymes, albumin and globulin. Low levels of these enzymes could indicate liver damage.
Aspartate Transaminase (AST) Test: Your liver also produces AST. A damaged liver may be indicated by high AST values.
Bilirubin Test: When RBCs are broken down, bilirubin is produced by the body. Your liver naturally removes bilirubin from your body. High levels of bilirubin in the blood indicate jaundice or liver injury.
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) Test: Elevated levels of the GGT enzyme indicate liver or bile duct injury.
L- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Test: Although other disorders may cause its development, high levels of LD may also signify a sick liver.
Prothrombin Time (PT) Test: This test gauges how long it takes to form a blood clot. Damage risk increases with clotting time.
When Should You Consider a Liver Function Test?
Your liver performs all the vital tasks required for your well-being. Among other essential duties, it aids in the digestion of the meal, blood purification, energy storage, and the production of proteins and enzymes.
LFTs are used to evaluate how well your liver is working and aid in diagnosing problems like cirrhosis and liver diseases like hepatitis. An LFT may detect enzyme or protein levels above or below the normal range, which may indicate a liver problem.
If you have any of the below-mentioned signs, you may be advised to have a liver function test done:
- Dark colored urine
- Yellowish eye or skin
- Lack of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness or feeling fatigued
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling of belly
The doctor can also use the results of a liver test to determine if an illness is worsening or how effectively a given treatment is working.
Conclusion
Depending on your health and symptoms, your doctor might advise getting your liver examined using this test. The liver is among the most significant internal organs. Thus, you shouldn’t ignore it. Your top focus should be getting examined and treated effectively. At Cadabams, we provide various Liver Function Test packages, which include total protein, bilirubin, albumin, globulin, SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, and GGT. Visit the Best Pathology Lab in Bangalore today to get the best deals on packages.
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