Your liver plays an essential role in keeping your body healthy by helping with digestion, detoxifying harmful substances, and storing energy. To make sure your liver is functioning properly, liver function tests (LFTs) are an important tool. At We Care Diagnostics & Poly Clinic, we help you understand what these tests are and how they can reveal important information about your liver health.
What Are Liver Function Tests?
Liver function tests are blood tests that measure different substances in your blood to help doctors assess how well your liver is working. These tests check the levels of various enzymes, proteins, and waste products that can show if there are any liver problems such as damage or disease. While LFTs don’t measure how well the liver is functioning directly, they provide valuable clues to potential issues.
Common Tests in a Liver Function Panel
Several tests are part of the standard liver function panel, including:
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme mostly found in the liver. High levels of ALT in your blood can suggest liver damage.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Another enzyme that can be found in many organs, including the liver. Elevated levels may point to liver damage.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. High levels may indicate liver disease or bile duct issues.
- Bilirubin: A waste product formed when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. If bilirubin levels are high, it can cause jaundice (yellowing of your skin and eyes), which may indicate liver problems.
- Albumin and Total Protein: Proteins produced by the liver. Low levels of albumin can suggest liver disease, kidney problems, or malnutrition.
- Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT): An enzyme that may rise in the blood when there are liver or bile duct issues.
Why Are Liver Function Tests Important?
Liver function tests are used to help diagnose conditions such as:
- Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver often caused by viral infections or alcohol use.
- Fatty Liver Disease: A condition where fat builds up in the liver, usually linked to obesity or alcohol consumption.
- Cirrhosis: A serious condition where the liver becomes scarred, often due to long-term liver damage.
- Liver Cancer: Early signs of liver cancer can sometimes be detected through these tests, especially in those with chronic liver conditions.
When Should You Get a Liver Function Test?
If you have symptoms like unexplained fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), stomach pain, or unusual changes in your urine or stool, a liver function test can help. Also, if you have risk factors for liver disease, such as heavy alcohol consumption, obesity, or diabetes, regular liver tests are important.
Liver function tests are a simple way to check how well your liver is doing. Early detection of liver issues can help you take steps to protect your liver and overall health. If you’re concerned about your liver health or have risk factors, schedule a liver function test at We Care Diagnostics & Poly Clinic today.
Book your liver function test today and take the first step toward a healthier liver!
