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

The Importance of Liver Function Tests in Assessing Liver Health

Liver function tests are crucial diagnostic tools used to evaluate the health and functionality of one of our body’s most vital organs – the liver. These blood tests measure various proteins, enzymes, and substances in the bloodstream that reflect liver health and function. By analyzing these components, healthcare professionals can detect liver damage, monitor existing liver conditions, and assess the effectiveness of treatments.

Understanding liver function tests is essential for anyone concerned about their liver health or undergoing medical treatment that may affect the liver. These tests provide valuable insights into the liver’s ability to perform its many critical functions, including filtering toxins, producing essential proteins, and aiding in digestion.

Common Reasons for Conducting Liver Function Tests

Healthcare providers may recommend liver function tests for various reasons. Some of the most common situations include:

• Screening for liver diseases such as hepatitis B and C
• Monitoring potential side effects of medications known to affect the liver
• Evaluating the progression of existing liver conditions
• Investigating symptoms associated with liver disorders
• Assessing liver health in individuals with risk factors or related medical conditions

For instance, if you have a family history of liver disease or consume alcohol frequently, your doctor may suggest regular liver function tests as a preventive measure. Similarly, if you’re taking medications that can impact liver health, such as certain antibiotics or statins, these tests can help monitor any potential adverse effects.

Medical Conditions That May Warrant Liver Function Tests

Several medical conditions can necessitate liver function testing. These include:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Anemia
• High triglycerides
• Gallbladder disease

In these cases, liver function tests can help healthcare providers assess the overall health of the liver and detect any potential complications associated with these conditions.

Key Components of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests typically measure several different enzymes and proteins in the blood. Each of these components provides specific information about liver health and function. Let’s explore the primary elements of liver function tests:

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) Test

ALT is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels in blood tests. An increased ALT level often indicates liver damage or disease.

Did you know that approximately 10% of people in the United States have elevated ALT levels? This statistic underscores the importance of regular liver function testing, especially for individuals with risk factors for liver disease.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test

AST is an enzyme found in various body tissues, including the liver, heart, brain, and muscles. While elevated AST levels can indicate liver damage, they are less specific than ALT levels. Therefore, AST is usually measured in conjunction with ALT to provide a more comprehensive picture of liver health.

The ratio of AST to ALT can offer valuable insights into the nature of liver damage. For example, a high AST:ALT ratio may suggest alcoholic liver disease, helping healthcare providers determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) Test

ALP is an enzyme found in several body tissues, including the liver, bones, and bile ducts. In liver function tests, ALP levels are particularly useful for evaluating the bile duct system. Elevated ALP levels may indicate bile duct obstruction or certain types of liver disease.

Albumin Test

Albumin is the main protein produced by the liver. It plays crucial roles in various bodily functions, including tissue nourishment and hormone transport. An albumin test measures the liver’s ability to produce this essential protein. Low albumin levels may indicate liver dysfunction or other health issues.

Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin is a waste product resulting from the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver is responsible for processing bilirubin before it’s excreted from the body. Elevated bilirubin levels in the blood can indicate liver damage or certain inherited conditions that affect bilirubin metabolism.

Interpreting Liver Function Test Results

Understanding liver function test results can be complex, as abnormal levels can have various implications depending on the specific test and individual circumstances. Generally, higher or lower than typical levels of enzymes or proteins can indicate potential liver issues.

For example:

• Elevated ALT and AST levels often suggest liver cell damage or inflammation
• Increased ALP levels may indicate bile duct obstruction or certain liver diseases
• Low albumin levels can signify impaired liver function or protein malnutrition
• High bilirubin levels may indicate liver dysfunction or conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism

It’s important to note that slightly abnormal results don’t always indicate a serious problem. Factors such as medications, recent illnesses, or even intense physical activity can temporarily affect liver function test results. Therefore, it’s crucial to discuss your results with a healthcare professional who can interpret them in the context of your overall health and medical history.

Preparing for a Liver Function Test

Proper preparation is essential for obtaining accurate liver function test results. While specific instructions may vary depending on the healthcare provider and the particular tests being performed, some general guidelines include:

• Fasting for a specified period before the test (usually 8-12 hours)
• Avoiding certain medications that may interfere with test results
• Refraining from alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the test
• Informing your healthcare provider about any supplements or herbal remedies you’re taking

Always follow your healthcare provider’s specific instructions to ensure the most accurate test results. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your liver function test, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor or the testing facility.

Recognizing Signs of Liver Dysfunction

While liver function tests are invaluable for detecting liver issues, it’s also important to be aware of potential symptoms of liver dysfunction. Some common signs include:

• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Unexplained weight loss
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Abdominal swelling or fluid accumulation (ascites)
• Weakness
• Discolored urine or stool

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially in combination, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly. Early detection and treatment of liver issues can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further complications.

The Role of Liver Function Tests in Managing Chronic Liver Diseases

Chronic liver diseases affect millions of adults worldwide, with approximately 4.5 million adults in the United States alone living with these conditions. Liver function tests play a vital role in managing chronic liver diseases by:

• Monitoring disease progression
• Assessing the effectiveness of treatments
• Detecting potential complications early
• Guiding treatment decisions

For individuals with chronic liver conditions, regular liver function tests are often a crucial part of their ongoing care. These tests help healthcare providers track changes in liver function over time and adjust treatment plans as needed to optimize patient outcomes.

Common Chronic Liver Diseases

Some of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases that may require ongoing monitoring through liver function tests include:

• Hepatitis B and C
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Cirrhosis
• Autoimmune hepatitis

Each of these conditions may affect liver function tests in different ways, and healthcare providers use this information to tailor treatment approaches and monitor disease progression.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting Liver Health and Function Test Results

Various lifestyle factors can significantly impact liver health and, consequently, liver function test results. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed decisions to protect their liver health:

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver damage and can significantly affect liver function test results. Even moderate alcohol consumption can temporarily elevate liver enzyme levels. For accurate test results and overall liver health, it’s advisable to limit alcohol intake, especially in the days leading up to a liver function test.

Diet and Nutrition

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins supports liver health. Conversely, a diet high in processed foods, saturated fats, and added sugars can contribute to conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, potentially affecting liver function test results.

Physical Activity

Regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of fatty liver disease. However, intense physical activity shortly before a liver function test can temporarily elevate certain enzyme levels. It’s best to avoid strenuous exercise for at least 24 hours before the test.

Medication and Supplement Use

Some medications and supplements can affect liver function or interfere with test results. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking, including over-the-counter products and herbal remedies.

Weight Management

Obesity is a significant risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Maintaining a healthy weight through balanced nutrition and regular physical activity can help protect liver health and potentially improve liver function test results.

Advances in Liver Function Testing and Future Directions

As medical science advances, so do the methods and technologies used in liver function testing. Recent developments and ongoing research are expanding our ability to assess liver health more accurately and comprehensively:

Non-Invasive Imaging Techniques

Advanced imaging technologies, such as FibroScan (transient elastography), are increasingly being used alongside traditional blood tests to assess liver health. These non-invasive methods can provide detailed information about liver structure and function without the need for invasive procedures.

Genetic Testing

Genetic tests are becoming more prevalent in liver health assessment, helping identify individuals at higher risk for certain liver diseases. This information can guide preventive strategies and early intervention.

Biomarker Discovery

Researchers are continuously working to identify new biomarkers that can provide more specific and sensitive indicators of liver health and disease. These discoveries may lead to more precise diagnostic tools and personalized treatment approaches in the future.

Artificial Intelligence in Result Interpretation

Machine learning algorithms are being developed to assist in interpreting complex liver function test results, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and helping healthcare providers make more informed treatment decisions.

As these advancements continue to evolve, liver function testing is likely to become even more sophisticated, offering deeper insights into liver health and function. However, it’s important to note that while technology progresses, the fundamental principles of liver function tests remain crucial for assessing and monitoring liver health.

The Importance of Regular Liver Health Monitoring

Maintaining good liver health is crucial for overall well-being, and regular monitoring through liver function tests plays a vital role in this process. Here’s why consistent liver health check-ups are essential:

Early Detection of Liver Issues

Many liver diseases can progress silently without noticeable symptoms in their early stages. Regular liver function tests can detect abnormalities before they develop into more serious conditions, allowing for timely intervention and potentially better outcomes.

Monitoring Existing Conditions

For individuals with known liver diseases or risk factors, regular testing helps track the progression of their condition and the effectiveness of treatments. This ongoing monitoring allows healthcare providers to adjust management strategies as needed.

Assessing Medication Effects

Many medications can affect liver function. Regular testing helps ensure that long-term medication use is not causing unintended liver damage, allowing for adjustments in dosage or medication choice if necessary.

Promoting Lifestyle Changes

Seeing concrete data about liver health can motivate individuals to make positive lifestyle changes, such as reducing alcohol consumption, improving diet, or increasing physical activity.

Personalizing Health Strategies

Regular liver function tests contribute to a more comprehensive picture of an individual’s health, allowing for more personalized and effective health strategies.

While the frequency of liver function tests may vary depending on individual risk factors and health status, discussing a suitable testing schedule with your healthcare provider is crucial for maintaining optimal liver health.

Empowering Yourself with Liver Health Knowledge

Understanding liver function tests and their implications is an important step in taking control of your liver health. Here are some ways to empower yourself with liver health knowledge:

Educate Yourself

Take the time to learn about liver function, common liver diseases, and the factors that can impact liver health. Reliable health websites, medical journals, and educational materials from healthcare providers are excellent sources of information.

Communicate with Your Healthcare Provider

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about your liver function test results, what they mean, and how they relate to your overall health. Open communication with your healthcare provider can lead to better understanding and more informed decision-making.

Be Proactive

If you have risk factors for liver disease or are concerned about your liver health, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider and consider scheduling regular liver function tests as a preventive measure.

Make Informed Lifestyle Choices

Use your knowledge about liver health to make informed decisions about your diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and other lifestyle factors that can impact your liver.

Stay Updated

Keep abreast of new developments in liver health research and testing methods. Medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and staying informed can help you make the best decisions for your health.

By taking an active role in understanding and monitoring your liver health, you can contribute significantly to your overall well-being and potentially prevent or manage liver-related health issues more effectively.

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.