What are liver function tests. How do they help diagnose liver problems. When should you get liver function tests. What do abnormal results indicate. How to interpret liver enzyme levels.

What Are Liver Function Tests and Why Are They Important?

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, are blood tests that assess the health and functionality of your liver. These tests measure levels of specific proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood, providing crucial insights into liver performance and potential issues.

Why are these tests so important? The liver plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions, including:

• Filtering toxins from the blood
• Producing proteins essential for blood clotting
• Metabolizing drugs and nutrients
• Storing energy in the form of glycogen
• Producing bile for fat digestion

Given its critical functions, monitoring liver health through regular testing can help detect problems early and prevent serious complications.

When Should You Get a Liver Function Test?

Liver function tests are recommended in various situations to screen for potential liver problems or monitor existing conditions. Some common reasons for getting these tests include:

1. Screening for liver infections like hepatitis B and C
2. Monitoring medication side effects, especially for drugs known to affect the liver
3. Assessing the progression of existing liver diseases
4. Evaluating symptoms of liver disorders
5. Checking liver health in individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or frequent alcohol consumption

Are you at risk for liver problems? If you have a family history of liver disease, consume alcohol regularly, or have conditions like diabetes or high triglycerides, it’s important to discuss liver function testing with your healthcare provider.

Understanding the Different Types of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests typically include several specific measurements, each providing unique insights into liver health. The most common tests are:

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test

ALT is an enzyme used in protein metabolism. Elevated levels in the blood can indicate liver damage. Did you know that approximately 10% of Americans have elevated ALT levels? This highlights the prevalence of potential liver issues in the population.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test

AST is found in various organs, including the liver, heart, and muscles. While less specific to liver damage than ALT, elevated AST levels can still signal liver problems, especially when measured in conjunction with ALT.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test

ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. This test is particularly useful for evaluating the bile duct system of the liver.

Albumin Test

Albumin is the main protein produced by the liver. This test measures how well the liver is synthesizing this essential protein, which plays crucial roles in nutrition and hormone transport.

Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction or certain inherited conditions affecting bilirubin processing.

Interpreting Liver Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Interpreting liver function test results requires careful analysis and consideration of various factors. Here’s a general guide to understanding what abnormal results might indicate:

• Elevated ALT and AST: Potential liver damage or disease
• High ALP: Possible bile duct obstruction or bone disorders
• Low Albumin: Liver dysfunction or malnutrition
• High Bilirubin: Liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or certain genetic conditions

Is a single abnormal result cause for concern? Not necessarily. Liver function tests are often interpreted collectively, and your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, symptoms, and medical history when analyzing the results.

Common Liver Disorders and Their Impact on Test Results

Various liver disorders can affect liver function test results in different ways. Understanding these patterns can help in diagnosing specific conditions:

Alcoholic Liver Disease

In alcoholic liver disease, AST levels are often higher than ALT levels, resulting in an elevated AST:ALT ratio. This pattern is somewhat unique to alcohol-induced liver damage.

Viral Hepatitis

Viral hepatitis typically causes significant elevations in both ALT and AST, often with ALT being higher than AST. Bilirubin levels may also be elevated, especially in more severe cases.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD is characterized by mild to moderate elevations in ALT and AST, with ALT usually being higher than AST. ALP and bilirubin levels are typically normal in early stages.

Cirrhosis

Advanced liver disease like cirrhosis can lead to decreased albumin production and elevated bilirubin levels. AST and ALT may be elevated but can also be normal or only slightly increased in late-stage cirrhosis.

Preparing for a Liver Function Test: What You Need to Know

Proper preparation is key to ensuring accurate liver function test results. Here are some important considerations:

• Fasting: Some tests may require fasting for 8-12 hours before the blood draw. Your healthcare provider will inform you if this is necessary.
• Medications: Certain medications can affect liver function test results. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can temporarily elevate liver enzymes.
• Exercise: Strenuous exercise can affect some test results, so avoid intense workouts for 24 hours before the test.

How long does a liver function test take? The blood draw itself usually takes only a few minutes, and results are typically available within a few days.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Liver Health and Test Results

Various lifestyle factors can impact liver health and potentially influence liver function test results:

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver damage. Even moderate drinking can temporarily elevate liver enzymes. How much alcohol is too much? The CDC defines heavy drinking as 8 or more drinks per week for women and 15 or more for men.

Diet and Obesity

A diet high in processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats can contribute to fatty liver disease. Obesity is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which can lead to abnormal liver function tests.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. However, very intense exercise can temporarily elevate liver enzymes, so it’s important to inform your doctor about your exercise habits when interpreting test results.

Medications and Supplements

Certain medications, including some over-the-counter pain relievers and herbal supplements, can affect liver function. Always discuss your medication and supplement use with your healthcare provider.

Beyond Liver Function Tests: Other Diagnostic Tools for Liver Health

While liver function tests provide valuable information, they are often just the first step in evaluating liver health. Other diagnostic tools that may be used include:

Imaging Studies

Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI can provide detailed images of the liver, helping to detect structural abnormalities, tumors, or signs of cirrhosis.

Liver Biopsy

In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be removed and examined under a microscope. This can provide definitive information about liver cell health and the presence of specific diseases.

Specialized Blood Tests

Additional blood tests may be ordered to check for specific liver conditions, such as hepatitis virus antibodies or markers for autoimmune liver diseases.

Elastography

This non-invasive technique measures liver stiffness, which can indicate the presence and severity of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

How often should liver function be monitored? For individuals with known liver disease or risk factors, regular monitoring may be recommended, typically every 3-12 months depending on the specific situation.

Managing Abnormal Liver Function Test Results: Next Steps and Treatment Options

If your liver function tests come back abnormal, don’t panic. Your healthcare provider will guide you through the next steps, which may include:

1. Repeat testing to confirm results
2. Additional diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause
3. Lifestyle modifications, such as reducing alcohol intake or losing weight
4. Treatment of underlying conditions (e.g., antiviral therapy for hepatitis)
5. Regular monitoring to track liver health over time

Treatment options for liver disorders vary depending on the specific condition and its severity. They may include:

• Medications to manage specific liver diseases or complications
• Nutritional support and dietary changes
• Antiviral treatments for viral hepatitis
• Abstinence from alcohol for alcohol-related liver disease
• In severe cases, liver transplantation may be considered

Can liver damage be reversed? In many cases, early-stage liver damage can be reversed with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, advanced liver disease like cirrhosis may cause permanent damage.

Preventing Liver Disease: Strategies for Maintaining Optimal Liver Health

Maintaining good liver health is crucial for overall well-being. Here are some strategies to help prevent liver disease:

Limit Alcohol Consumption

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. This means up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Aim for a balanced diet and regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight.

Practice Safe Sex and Hygiene

Hepatitis B and C can be transmitted through sexual contact and sharing of personal items like razors or toothbrushes. Practice safe sex and avoid sharing these items to reduce your risk.

Get Vaccinated

Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. If you haven’t been vaccinated, discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

Use Medications Wisely

Follow dosing instructions carefully for all medications, especially acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses.

Avoid Exposure to Toxins

Be cautious when using cleaning products, insecticides, and other chemicals. Follow safety guidelines and work in well-ventilated areas.

How effective are these preventive measures? While they can significantly reduce your risk of liver disease, it’s important to remember that some factors, such as genetic predisposition, are beyond our control. Regular check-ups and liver function tests can help detect any issues early, even if you’re following these preventive strategies.

The Future of Liver Function Testing: Emerging Technologies and Approaches

As medical science advances, new technologies and approaches are emerging to enhance liver function testing and diagnosis:

Non-Invasive Fibrosis Assessment

Advanced imaging techniques and blood-based biomarkers are being developed to assess liver fibrosis without the need for invasive biopsies.

Genetic Testing

Identifying genetic variations associated with liver diseases can help predict individual risk and guide personalized treatment strategies.

Artificial Intelligence in Imaging

AI algorithms are being developed to analyze liver imaging studies, potentially improving the accuracy and speed of diagnosis.

Metabolomics

This emerging field studies small molecules in biological samples, which may provide new insights into liver function and disease processes.

What impact will these advancements have on liver disease management? While still in development, these technologies hold promise for earlier detection, more accurate diagnosis, and personalized treatment approaches for liver disorders.

In conclusion, liver function tests are invaluable tools for assessing liver health and detecting potential problems early. By understanding these tests, their implications, and the factors that influence liver health, you can take proactive steps to maintain optimal liver function and overall well-being. Regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and awareness of risk factors are key to preserving this vital organ’s health throughout your life.

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

  View example

• 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.

  See example

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.