What are liver function tests. How do they help monitor liver health. What do abnormal results indicate. When should you get liver function tests done. How are different liver enzymes and proteins measured.

The Importance of Liver Function Tests in Assessing Overall Health

Liver function tests play a crucial role in evaluating the health of one of our body’s most vital organs. These blood tests measure various proteins, enzymes, and substances in the bloodstream, providing valuable insights into the liver’s performance and potential issues. Understanding these tests can help individuals take proactive steps towards maintaining optimal liver health.

What exactly are liver function tests?

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, are a series of blood tests that assess the levels of specific proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. These tests serve as indicators of liver health and function, helping healthcare providers detect potential liver damage, disease progression, or treatment effectiveness.

Common Scenarios Requiring Liver Function Tests

There are various situations where a healthcare provider might recommend liver function tests. Understanding these scenarios can help individuals recognize when they might need to undergo such testing.

• Screening for liver diseases like hepatitis B and C
• Monitoring medication side effects
• Assessing the severity of existing liver conditions
• Evaluating symptoms of liver disorders
• Checking liver health in individuals with certain medical conditions
• Assessing liver function in frequent alcohol consumers
• Monitoring gallbladder disease

Why are liver function tests important for medication monitoring?

Certain medications can affect liver function, making it essential to monitor their impact. Some common drugs that may require liver function monitoring include:

• NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
• Statins
• Antibiotics
• Antiseizure medications
• Tuberculosis drugs

Regular liver function tests can help healthcare providers adjust medication dosages or switch to alternative treatments if necessary, ensuring patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes.

Key Components of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests typically include several specific measurements, each providing unique insights into liver health and function. Understanding these components can help individuals better interpret their test results.

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test

The ALT test measures the levels of an enzyme used in protein metabolism. Elevated ALT levels in the blood can indicate liver damage or dysfunction. Approximately 10% of the U.S. population has elevated ALT levels, highlighting the prevalence of potential liver issues.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test

AST is an enzyme found in various body parts, including the liver, heart, brain, and muscles. While not as specific to liver function as ALT, elevated AST levels can suggest liver or muscle problems. The AST:ALT ratio is particularly useful in differentiating between various liver conditions, such as alcoholic liver disease.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test

ALP is an enzyme present in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. An ALP test is often combined with other liver function tests to evaluate the bile duct system and overall liver health.

Albumin Test

Albumin, the main protein produced by the liver, performs numerous essential functions in the body. An albumin test assesses the liver’s protein production capacity and can indicate the severity of liver dysfunction.

Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. A healthy liver processes bilirubin efficiently, but liver damage can lead to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood. Some inherited conditions can also affect bilirubin levels, even with normal liver function.

Interpreting Liver Function Test Results

Interpreting liver function test results requires careful consideration of various factors. While abnormal results can indicate liver problems, it’s essential to understand that other conditions or factors may influence these measurements.

How do healthcare providers interpret liver function test results?

Healthcare providers consider multiple factors when interpreting liver function test results:

• Individual test results and their relationship to one another
• Patient’s medical history and risk factors
• Presence of symptoms or other health conditions
• Medications and supplements the patient is taking
• Lifestyle factors, such as alcohol consumption

It’s crucial for patients to discuss their results with their healthcare provider to understand the implications and any necessary follow-up actions.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disorders

While liver function tests can detect issues before symptoms appear, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of liver problems. Recognizing these symptoms can prompt early medical intervention and improve outcomes.

What are the common symptoms of liver disorders?

Liver disorders can manifest through various symptoms, including:

• Weakness and fatigue
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Discolored urine or stool
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Itchy skin
• Bruising easily

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider promptly.

The Impact of Lifestyle Factors on Liver Health

Lifestyle choices play a significant role in maintaining liver health. Understanding how various factors affect liver function can help individuals make informed decisions to protect this vital organ.

How does alcohol consumption affect liver health?

Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of liver damage. The liver metabolizes alcohol, but prolonged and heavy drinking can overwhelm its capacity, leading to conditions such as:

• Fatty liver disease
• Alcoholic hepatitis
• Cirrhosis

Limiting alcohol intake and having regular liver function tests can help prevent and detect alcohol-related liver damage.

What role does diet play in liver health?

Diet significantly impacts liver health. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports liver function. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars can contribute to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Some liver-friendly dietary choices include:

• Increasing fiber intake
• Consuming foods rich in antioxidants
• Limiting salt and sugar intake
• Staying hydrated
• Maintaining a healthy weight

Liver Function Tests in the Context of Chronic Diseases

Certain chronic diseases can impact liver function or increase the risk of liver problems. Regular liver function tests are often recommended for individuals with these conditions to monitor liver health and adjust treatment plans as needed.

Which chronic conditions are associated with liver problems?

Several chronic conditions can affect liver health or increase the risk of liver disorders:

• Diabetes: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of NAFLD and other liver complications.
• Obesity: Excess body weight is strongly linked to NAFLD and can exacerbate other liver conditions.
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can contribute to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
• Autoimmune disorders: Conditions like autoimmune hepatitis directly affect the liver.
• Metabolic syndrome: This cluster of conditions increases the risk of fatty liver disease and other liver problems.

Individuals with these conditions should work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor liver function and implement appropriate lifestyle changes or treatments.

Emerging Trends in Liver Function Testing and Diagnostics

As medical science advances, new technologies and approaches are emerging to enhance liver function testing and diagnostics. These innovations promise more accurate, less invasive, and more comprehensive assessments of liver health.

What are some new developments in liver function testing?

Recent advancements in liver function testing include:

• Non-invasive imaging techniques: Advanced ultrasound and MRI technologies can assess liver fat content and fibrosis without the need for biopsies.
• Biomarker panels: Comprehensive panels of blood-based biomarkers can provide more detailed insights into liver health and specific liver diseases.
• Genetic testing: Identifying genetic factors that influence liver disease risk and progression can help tailor prevention and treatment strategies.
• Artificial intelligence: Machine learning algorithms are being developed to interpret liver function test results more accurately and predict disease progression.
• Point-of-care testing: Rapid, portable liver function tests are becoming available, allowing for more frequent and convenient monitoring.

These advancements are poised to revolutionize liver health assessment and management in the coming years.

Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Liver Health

While regular liver function tests are crucial for monitoring liver health, proactive lifestyle choices play a significant role in maintaining a healthy liver. Implementing these strategies can help protect this vital organ and reduce the risk of liver diseases.

How can individuals protect and improve their liver health?

Several strategies can help maintain and enhance liver health:

1. Limit alcohol consumption: If you drink, do so in moderation. For some individuals, complete abstinence may be recommended.
2. Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity is a significant risk factor for fatty liver disease. Losing excess weight can improve liver function.
3. Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps maintain a healthy weight and can improve insulin sensitivity, benefiting liver health.
4. Eat a balanced diet: Focus on whole foods, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Limit processed foods and added sugars.
5. Stay hydrated: Adequate water intake supports overall health, including liver function.
6. Avoid unnecessary medications: Use over-the-counter drugs only when necessary and as directed.
7. Practice safe sex and proper hygiene: This can reduce the risk of contracting hepatitis and other infections that can affect the liver.
8. Get vaccinated: Hepatitis A and B vaccines can protect against these liver-damaging viruses.
9. Manage chronic conditions: Properly control conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure to reduce their impact on liver health.
10. Avoid exposure to toxins: Be cautious when using cleaning products, insecticides, and other chemicals that can harm the liver.

By incorporating these strategies into daily life, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of liver problems and support overall health.

What role do supplements play in liver health?

While a balanced diet should provide most necessary nutrients, some supplements may support liver health:

• Milk thistle: This herb has been traditionally used to support liver function, though scientific evidence is mixed.
• Vitamin E: Some studies suggest it may help in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: These may help reduce liver fat in people with NAFLD.
• N-acetyl cysteine (NAC): This antioxidant may help protect the liver from damage.

However, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, as some supplements can interact with medications or have adverse effects on liver function.

The Future of Liver Health Management

As our understanding of liver function and disease processes grows, the future of liver health management looks promising. Emerging technologies and personalized approaches are set to transform how we monitor, prevent, and treat liver conditions.

What advancements can we expect in liver health management?

Several exciting developments are on the horizon for liver health management:

• Personalized medicine: Genetic profiling and advanced diagnostics will allow for more tailored prevention and treatment strategies.
• Regenerative medicine: Stem cell therapies and bioengineered liver tissues may offer new hope for severe liver damage.
• Targeted therapies: New drugs that specifically target liver disease mechanisms are in development.
• Artificial intelligence: AI-powered tools may help predict liver disease risk and progression more accurately.
• Microbiome interventions: Manipulating the gut microbiome may offer new ways to improve liver health.
• Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles could deliver drugs more effectively to the liver or help in early disease detection.
• Wearable technology: Advanced wearables may allow for continuous monitoring of liver function markers.

These advancements promise to revolutionize liver health management, potentially leading to earlier detection, more effective treatments, and improved outcomes for individuals with liver conditions.

How will preventive care evolve in relation to liver health?

The future of preventive care for liver health is likely to become more proactive and personalized:

• Risk assessment algorithms: Advanced algorithms will integrate genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors to provide more accurate liver disease risk predictions.
• Personalized lifestyle recommendations: AI-powered apps may offer tailored diet, exercise, and lifestyle advice based on individual risk factors and liver health status.
• Regular screening protocols: More comprehensive and frequent liver health screenings may become standard, especially for high-risk individuals.
• Education and awareness: Improved public health campaigns will focus on liver health awareness and prevention strategies.
• Integration with overall health management: Liver health monitoring will likely become more integrated with general health and wellness programs.

As these advancements unfold, individuals will have more tools and knowledge at their disposal to maintain optimal liver health throughout their lives.

Liver Function Tests: Purpose, Procedure, and Results

Liver function tests are blood tests that can be used to monitor the health of your liver. Ask the doctor what you need to do to prepare. In some cases you may need to avoid food or certain medications before the test.

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, help determine the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. They can also monitor the progression or treatment of an existing disease.

Depending on the test, either higher- or lower-than-typical levels of these enzymes or proteins can indicate a problem with your liver.

Some of the reasons liver function tests may be performed include screening for diseases such as hepatitis, monitoring the side effects of your medications, and examining the severity of liver disease.

In this article, we take a look at when you might need a liver function test, the different types of tests used, and how to interpret results.

A liver function test is often recommended in the following situations:

• to check for damage from liver infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, especially if it’s suspected you were exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis
• to monitor the side effects of certain medications because some medications are known to affect the liver, including:
  • NSAIDs
  • statins
  • antibiotics
  • antiseizure medications
  • tuberculosis drugs
• if you already have liver disease, to monitor the disease and how well a particular treatment is working
• if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a liver disorder or have a family history of a liver disease, such as fatty liver disease
• if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
  • high triglycerides
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • anemia
• if you drink alcohol frequently
• if you have gallbladder disease

Certain tests can reflect different aspects of liver function. For example, elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase disproportional to bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels often indicates liver disease.

Liver function tests are used to measure specific enzymes and proteins in your blood.

Having atypical results on any of these liver tests usually requires a follow-up to determine the cause of the atypical characteristics. Even mildly elevated results can be associated with liver disease.

Common liver function tests include:

Alanine transaminase (ALT) test

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is used by your body to metabolize protein. If the liver is damaged or not functioning properly, ALT can be released into the blood. This causes ALT levels to increase. A higher result than what’s typical on this test can be a sign of liver damage.

It’s estimated that about 10 percent of people in the United States have elevated ALT levels.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in several parts of your body, including your:

• heart
• brain
• pancreas
• liver
• muscles

When the liver is damaged, AST can be released into the bloodstream. A high result on an AST test might indicate a problem with the liver or muscles.

Since AST levels aren’t as specific of a marker for liver damage as ALT, it’s usually measured together with ALT to check for liver problems. For example, a high AST:ALT ratio may indicate alcoholic liver disease.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in your bones, bile ducts, and liver. An ALP test is typically ordered in combination with several other tests. An ALP test can be used to evaluate the bile duct system of the liver.

Albumin test

Albumin is the main protein made by your liver. It performs many important bodily functions.

For example, albumin nourishes your tissues and transports hormones, vitamins, and other substances throughout your body. An albumin test measures how well your liver is making this particular protein.

Bilirubin test

Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s ordinarily processed by the liver. It passes through the liver before being excreted through your stool.

A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin. This leads to an atypically high level of bilirubin in the blood. Certain inherited diseases can raise bilirubin levels, even when liver function works as expected.

The following table shows what liver function tests may indicate in terms of higher or lower results than typical. Following any liver function test, you should have a discussion with your doctor about your test results and what they mean for you.

Problems with the liver can make a person very sick and can even be life threatening. Approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States have chronic liver disease.

Symptoms of a liver disorder include:

• weakness
• fatigue or loss of energy
• weight loss
• jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• fluid collection in the abdomen, known as ascites
• discolored bodily discharge (dark urine or light stools)
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• atypical bruising or bleeding

Your doctor may order a liver function test if you’re experiencing symptoms of a liver disorder.

Liver function tests can also monitor the progression or treatment of a disease and test for the side effects of certain medications.

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for the blood sample portion of the test.

Certain medications and foods may affect levels of these enzymes and proteins in your blood. Your doctor may ask you to avoid some types of medications, or they may ask you to avoid eating anything for a period of time before the test. Be sure to continue drinking water prior to the test.

You may want to wear a shirt with sleeves that can easily be rolled up to make it easier for the medical expert to collect the blood sample.

You may have your blood drawn in a hospital or at a specialized testing facility. To administer the test:

1. The healthcare technician will clean your skin before the test to decrease the likelihood that any microorganisms on your skin will cause an infection.
2. They’ll likely wrap an elastic strap on your arm. This will help your veins become more visible. They’ll then use a needle to draw samples of blood from your arm.
3. After the draw, the technician will place some gauze and a bandage over the puncture site. Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Potential risks of a liver function test

Blood draws are routine procedures and rarely cause any serious side effects. However, the risks of giving a blood sample can include:

• bleeding under the skin, or hematoma
• excessive bleeding
• fainting
• infection

Was this helpful?

After the test, you can usually resume everyday activities. However, if you feel faint or lightheaded during the blood draw, you should rest before you leave the testing facility.

The results of these tests may not tell your doctor exactly which condition you have or the degree of liver damage, but they might help your doctor determine the next steps. Your doctor will call you with the results or discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment.

In general, if your results indicate a problem with your liver function, your doctor will review your medications and your past medical history to help determine the cause.

If you drink alcohol frequently, then you’ll need to stop drinking it. If your doctor identifies that a medication is causing the elevated liver enzymes, they’ll advise you to stop the medication.

Other diagnostic tests

Your doctor may decide to test you for hepatitis, other infections, or other diseases that can affect the liver. They may also choose to do imaging tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan.

In addition, they may recommend a liver biopsy to evaluate the liver for fibrosis, fatty liver disease, or other liver conditions.

Liver function tests are blood tests used to help determine the health of your liver. Changes in certain levels of proteins or enzymes can alert doctors of potential problems such as liver cancer, fatty liver disease, or hepatitis.

Liver function tests can also help determine if certain medications are damaging your liver or help you monitor the progression of liver disease.

After you get a liver function test, your doctor can help you interpret the results and discuss what the results mean for you. If they suspect you have liver disease, you may need to undergo other tests such as imaging or a liver biopsy.

Liver Function Tests: Purpose, Procedure, and Results

Liver function tests are blood tests that can be used to monitor the health of your liver. Ask the doctor what you need to do to prepare. In some cases you may need to avoid food or certain medications before the test.

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, help determine the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood. They can also monitor the progression or treatment of an existing disease.

Depending on the test, either higher- or lower-than-typical levels of these enzymes or proteins can indicate a problem with your liver.

Some of the reasons liver function tests may be performed include screening for diseases such as hepatitis, monitoring the side effects of your medications, and examining the severity of liver disease.

In this article, we take a look at when you might need a liver function test, the different types of tests used, and how to interpret results.

A liver function test is often recommended in the following situations:

• to check for damage from liver infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C, especially if it’s suspected you were exposed to a virus that causes hepatitis
• to monitor the side effects of certain medications because some medications are known to affect the liver, including:
  • NSAIDs
  • statins
  • antibiotics
  • antiseizure medications
  • tuberculosis drugs
• if you already have liver disease, to monitor the disease and how well a particular treatment is working
• if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a liver disorder or have a family history of a liver disease, such as fatty liver disease
• if you have certain medical conditions, such as:
  • high triglycerides
  • diabetes
  • high blood pressure
  • anemia
• if you drink alcohol frequently
• if you have gallbladder disease

Certain tests can reflect different aspects of liver function. For example, elevated alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase disproportional to bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase levels often indicates liver disease.

Liver function tests are used to measure specific enzymes and proteins in your blood.

Having atypical results on any of these liver tests usually requires a follow-up to determine the cause of the atypical characteristics. Even mildly elevated results can be associated with liver disease.

Common liver function tests include:

Alanine transaminase (ALT) test

Alanine transaminase (ALT) is used by your body to metabolize protein. If the liver is damaged or not functioning properly, ALT can be released into the blood. This causes ALT levels to increase. A higher result than what’s typical on this test can be a sign of liver damage.

It’s estimated that about 10 percent of people in the United States have elevated ALT levels.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found in several parts of your body, including your:

• heart
• brain
• pancreas
• liver
• muscles

When the liver is damaged, AST can be released into the bloodstream. A high result on an AST test might indicate a problem with the liver or muscles.

Since AST levels aren’t as specific of a marker for liver damage as ALT, it’s usually measured together with ALT to check for liver problems. For example, a high AST:ALT ratio may indicate alcoholic liver disease.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in your bones, bile ducts, and liver. An ALP test is typically ordered in combination with several other tests. An ALP test can be used to evaluate the bile duct system of the liver.

Albumin test

Albumin is the main protein made by your liver. It performs many important bodily functions.

For example, albumin nourishes your tissues and transports hormones, vitamins, and other substances throughout your body. An albumin test measures how well your liver is making this particular protein.

Bilirubin test

Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s ordinarily processed by the liver. It passes through the liver before being excreted through your stool.

A damaged liver can’t properly process bilirubin. This leads to an atypically high level of bilirubin in the blood. Certain inherited diseases can raise bilirubin levels, even when liver function works as expected.

The following table shows what liver function tests may indicate in terms of higher or lower results than typical. Following any liver function test, you should have a discussion with your doctor about your test results and what they mean for you.

Problems with the liver can make a person very sick and can even be life threatening. Approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States have chronic liver disease.

Symptoms of a liver disorder include:

• weakness
• fatigue or loss of energy
• weight loss
• jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
• fluid collection in the abdomen, known as ascites
• discolored bodily discharge (dark urine or light stools)
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• atypical bruising or bleeding

Your doctor may order a liver function test if you’re experiencing symptoms of a liver disorder.

Liver function tests can also monitor the progression or treatment of a disease and test for the side effects of certain medications.

Your doctor will give you complete instructions on how to prepare for the blood sample portion of the test.

Certain medications and foods may affect levels of these enzymes and proteins in your blood. Your doctor may ask you to avoid some types of medications, or they may ask you to avoid eating anything for a period of time before the test. Be sure to continue drinking water prior to the test.

You may want to wear a shirt with sleeves that can easily be rolled up to make it easier for the medical expert to collect the blood sample.

You may have your blood drawn in a hospital or at a specialized testing facility. To administer the test:

1. The healthcare technician will clean your skin before the test to decrease the likelihood that any microorganisms on your skin will cause an infection.
2. They’ll likely wrap an elastic strap on your arm. This will help your veins become more visible. They’ll then use a needle to draw samples of blood from your arm.
3. After the draw, the technician will place some gauze and a bandage over the puncture site. Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing.

Potential risks of a liver function test

Blood draws are routine procedures and rarely cause any serious side effects. However, the risks of giving a blood sample can include:

• bleeding under the skin, or hematoma
• excessive bleeding
• fainting
• infection

Was this helpful?

After the test, you can usually resume everyday activities. However, if you feel faint or lightheaded during the blood draw, you should rest before you leave the testing facility.

The results of these tests may not tell your doctor exactly which condition you have or the degree of liver damage, but they might help your doctor determine the next steps. Your doctor will call you with the results or discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment.

In general, if your results indicate a problem with your liver function, your doctor will review your medications and your past medical history to help determine the cause.

If you drink alcohol frequently, then you’ll need to stop drinking it. If your doctor identifies that a medication is causing the elevated liver enzymes, they’ll advise you to stop the medication.

Other diagnostic tests

Your doctor may decide to test you for hepatitis, other infections, or other diseases that can affect the liver. They may also choose to do imaging tests, like an ultrasound or CT scan.

In addition, they may recommend a liver biopsy to evaluate the liver for fibrosis, fatty liver disease, or other liver conditions.

Liver function tests are blood tests used to help determine the health of your liver. Changes in certain levels of proteins or enzymes can alert doctors of potential problems such as liver cancer, fatty liver disease, or hepatitis.

Liver function tests can also help determine if certain medications are damaging your liver or help you monitor the progression of liver disease.

After you get a liver function test, your doctor can help you interpret the results and discuss what the results mean for you. If they suspect you have liver disease, you may need to undergo other tests such as imaging or a liver biopsy.

Blood tests to check the liver / Gastrohepatocenter EXPERT

Many patients are interested in: how to check the liver and what tests to take before consulting a hepatologist?

If you do not know where to start the examination, then the doctors of the GastroHepatoCenter EXPERT recommend that you contact a hepatologist for a free conversation, who will prescribe a list of indicators that is suitable for your case. This will help you save your resources:

• time – you pass all the necessary indicators in 1 visit to the clinic
• money – you will not hand over what is not needed at the moment.

However, for those who are being screened for prevention or suspected of having liver disease, we have prepared a list of essential blood tests that may be helpful for your doctor to see.

Indications

Comprehensive laboratory analysis of the liver condition is required:

• for symptoms : yellowness of the skin and sclera of the eyes, bitterness in the mouth, nausea, heaviness in the right hypochondrium, chronic fatigue
• with risk factors : overweight or sudden weight loss, sedentary lifestyle, regular consumption of alcohol and heavy meals (suspicion of fatty liver disease)
• if possible infection with viral hepatitis B, C, D is suspected 0013 with a heredity factor of and a suspicion of a genetic disorder in the metabolism of iron, copper
• with a suspicion of autoimmune diseases – this also applies to other organs (thyroid gland, hematopoietic system, etc.)
• for preventive examination .

Prevention of liver diseases is of particular importance, because it has no nerve endings and does not hurt. Therefore, diseases of this organ occur without obvious symptoms.

Basic blood tests for the liver

Among the tests to check liver function, biochemical and virological indicators are key:

1. Liver enzymes – AST, ALT analysis . These enzymes are released from liver cells (hepatocytes) when they are damaged. Depending on the activity of the course of the disease, they can even exceed the norm by 50 times.
2. GGTP enzymes, alkaline phosphatase . The activity of these enzymes increases in violation of the outflow of bile and congestion (cholestasis). GGTP is also sensitive to alcohol consumption.
3. Bilirubin total, direct, indirect . Bilirubin is an intermediate product of hemoglobin processing. One of the stages of hemoglobin metabolism occurs in the liver. If the metabolic process is disturbed due to damage to hepatocytes, excess bilirubin is released into the blood. It is he who gives the icteric color to the skin, mucous membranes and sclera of the eyes.
4. Screening for viral hepatitis . Unfortunately, many people do not know that they are infected with viral hepatitis or know, but cannot even guess how the infection occurred. Therefore, an analysis for antibodies to hepatitis C and B is carried out for all patients who seek help from a hepatologist. With a positive analysis, further virological examination is carried out.
5. CBC . This is a mandatory analysis for all diseases, showing the state of the body as a whole and the presence of an inflammatory or other pathological process.

In addition, the doctor may prescribe an assessment of the level of copper and iron in the blood with genetic studies (if Wilson-Konovalov’s disease and hemochromatosis are suspected), pancreatic amylase and glucose to assess pancreatic function, screening for autoimmune disorders and others.

The cost of tests for liver diseases

Biochemistry of the liver and blood for hepatitis, the prices for which are listed below, are given strictly on an empty stomach 10-12 hours after the last meal.

In case of any liver disease, the examination should be supplemented by liver ultrasound with elastography. This will give the doctor information about the anatomical features of the organ, its size, location, stage of fibrosis / cirrhosis, and the state of the biliary tract.

To clarify the activity of the course of the disease, the doctor may prescribe fibrotest / fibromax. This is one of the most informative tests for the liver, giving additional information about the stage of fibrosis and steatosis.

Consult a hepatologist with the results of the examination.

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Liver test with up to 50% discount

Description of analysis

A comprehensive analysis for the liver, which includes tests that allow you to evaluate both the general functional state of the liver: ALT, AST; the function of protein metabolism: total protein, albumin, urea; synthesis of bilirubin and bile production: bilirubin and its fractions; bile secretion: GGTP, alkaline phosphatase.

The complex is recommended at any age in case of suspected damage and inflammation of the liver, before and against the background of taking hepatotoxic drugs, to control the treatment of liver diseases, cholelithiasis. Also, the complex is suitable for the initial assessment of the state of the liver against the background of diseases of other organs, for example, kidneys, stomach, intestines, diabetes mellitus, rheumatological diseases, parasitic infections.

Test material
– Serum

includes 8 studies

• Enzyme of liver cells, increases when they are damaged

• Major substance carrier protein, decreases with malnutrition and liver dysfunction

• Enzyme of liver and muscle cells, increases when they are damaged

• Pigment formed during the breakdown of blood cells indicates increased breakdown of blood or impaired functioning of the liver and biliary tract

• Liver, biliary tract and pancreas cell enzyme

• Metabolic product of liver proteins, excreted by kidneys

• Total amount of protein produced by the liver and supplied with food

• Enzyme of cells of bile ducts and bones, increases when they are damaged

Order other complexes suitable for you

if the analyzes are repeated, the price of the complex will decrease by their cost

• Current complex

  Liver function, complex of analyzes (liver tests) – 8 studies

• Another

  Biochemical blood test (advanced) – 20 studies

How to prepare

In advance

Do not take a blood test immediately after X-ray, fluorography, ultrasound, physiotherapy.

The day before

24 hours before blood sampling:

• Limit fatty and fried foods, do not take alcohol.

• Avoid strenuous exercise.

From 8 to 14 hours before donating blood, do not eat, drink only clean still water.

On the day of donation

Before blood sampling

• Do not smoke for 60 minutes,
• 15-30 minutes to be in a calm state.

Result

• Electronic result

  At the post office and in your personal account when ready

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• Expert interpretation of results

  Transcription created based on our expert algorithms, medical and statistical data. She will talk about each analysis separately and, most importantly, how they affect each other. All analyzes of the complex are grouped by organs, diseases or processes.

  We will decipher your tests if you are not pregnant, you are over 18 years old, you do not have chronic diseases and all the results of the analyzes of the complex are completed. We may refuse to decrypt at our discretion with a refund.

  We will send the transcript within 1 day after the analysis is ready, excluding Saturday and Sunday.

• Doctor’s consultation

  Online consultation based on test results and a questionnaire that you fill out in advance. It will be available to order in 2024.

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Liver function, complex of analyzes (liver tests)

A comprehensive analysis for the liver, which includes tests that allow you to evaluate both the general functional state of the liver: ALT, AST; the function of protein metabolism: total protein, albumin, urea; synthesis of bilirubin and bile production: bilirubin and its fractions; bile secretion: GGTP, alkaline phosphatase.

Many types of metabolism take place in the liver cells. Protein metabolism involves enzymes of liver cells (hepatocytes), called transaminases (ALT and AST). An increase in transaminases in the blood can be observed during cytolysis (destruction) of hepatocytes. An increase in ALT often indicates liver damage, while an increase in AST can also be observed with muscle damage, myocardial infarction, hemolysis of red blood cells. In acute viral hepatitis, the levels of enzymes exceed the upper limit of the norm by 5-10 times, and in chronic hepatitis by 1.5-2 times, increasing approximately the same. In alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver metastases, there is a predominant increase in AST.

The biliary function of the liver and biliary tract is assessed by the enzymes alkaline phosphatase (AP) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP). In the case of their simultaneous increase, first of all, obstruction (blockage) of the biliary tract is excluded, for example, with cholelithiasis.