What are liver function tests. How are liver function tests performed. What do abnormal liver function test results indicate. When should you get a liver function test. How to interpret liver function test results. What are the symptoms of liver disorders. How can you maintain optimal liver health.

Understanding Liver Function Tests: An Essential Tool for Monitoring Liver Health

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, are crucial blood tests that provide valuable insights into the health and functionality of your liver. These tests measure various proteins, enzymes, and substances in your blood, offering a comprehensive picture of your liver’s condition. By analyzing these components, healthcare professionals can detect liver damage, monitor existing liver conditions, and assess the effectiveness of treatments.

What are liver function tests?

Liver function tests are a series of blood tests that evaluate different aspects of liver health. They typically include measurements of:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT)
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
• Albumin
• Bilirubin

Each of these tests provides specific information about liver function and potential issues. For example, elevated levels of ALT and AST may indicate liver cell damage, while abnormal ALP levels could suggest problems with the bile ducts.

The Purpose and Importance of Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests serve multiple purposes in healthcare. They are essential for:

• Screening for liver diseases such as hepatitis
• Monitoring the progression of existing liver conditions
• Assessing the effectiveness of liver disease treatments
• Evaluating potential side effects of medications on liver health
• Detecting early signs of liver damage in high-risk individuals

These tests are particularly valuable because liver disorders can often progress silently, with symptoms only appearing when significant damage has occurred. Regular liver function testing can help catch problems early, enabling timely intervention and better outcomes.

When are liver function tests recommended?

Healthcare providers may recommend liver function tests in various scenarios:

1. As part of routine health check-ups, especially for individuals over 45
2. When there’s suspicion of liver disease based on symptoms or risk factors
3. To monitor patients with known liver conditions
4. Before starting certain medications that may affect liver function
5. For individuals with a family history of liver disease
6. In cases of excessive alcohol consumption
7. For patients with other medical conditions that can impact liver health, such as diabetes or obesity

The Procedure: How Liver Function Tests Are Performed

Liver function tests are relatively simple and straightforward procedures. They involve a blood draw, typically from a vein in your arm. The process is quick, usually taking only a few minutes, and can be done at a doctor’s office, hospital, or specialized laboratory.

Preparing for liver function tests

While preparation for liver function tests is minimal, your healthcare provider may give you specific instructions. These may include:

• Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test (for certain tests)
• Avoiding certain medications or supplements that could affect the results
• Informing your doctor about all current medications and supplements you’re taking
• Avoiding alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours before the test

It’s crucial to follow these instructions carefully to ensure accurate test results. If you have any questions or concerns about the preparation, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider.

Decoding Liver Function Test Results: What Do They Mean?

Interpreting liver function test results can be complex, as there are multiple components to consider. Each test provides specific information about liver health and function. Here’s a breakdown of what different test results may indicate:

Alanine transaminase (ALT) and Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Elevated levels of ALT and AST often suggest liver cell damage. ALT is more specific to the liver, while AST can also be elevated due to issues in other organs like the heart or muscles. The ratio of AST to ALT can provide additional insights:

• An AST:ALT ratio greater than 2:1 may indicate alcoholic liver disease
• An AST:ALT ratio less than 1:1 is more common in viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Increased ALP levels can signify issues with the bile ducts or certain bone disorders. When elevated in conjunction with other liver enzymes, it may point to liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis or drug-induced liver injury.

Albumin

Low albumin levels may indicate chronic liver disease, as the liver is responsible for producing this protein. However, low albumin can also be caused by other conditions like malnutrition or kidney disease.

Bilirubin

Elevated bilirubin levels can cause jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). High bilirubin may suggest liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, or certain genetic conditions affecting bilirubin metabolism.

It’s important to note that slightly abnormal results don’t always indicate a serious problem. Factors like medications, recent illnesses, or even intense exercise can temporarily affect liver function test results. Your healthcare provider will consider your overall health, symptoms, and other factors when interpreting these results.

Common Liver Disorders Detected by Liver Function Tests

Liver function tests can help identify or monitor various liver conditions, including:

• Hepatitis (viral, alcoholic, or autoimmune)
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Cirrhosis
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
• Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation)
• Primary biliary cholangitis
• Liver cancer

Early detection of these conditions through liver function tests can lead to more effective treatment and better long-term outcomes. However, it’s crucial to remember that liver function tests are just one tool in diagnosing liver disorders. Additional tests, imaging studies, or even liver biopsies may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disorders

While liver function tests can detect liver problems before symptoms appear, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of liver disorders. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Dark urine
• Pale, bloody, or tar-colored stools
• Itchy skin
• Bruising easily

If you experience any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They may recommend liver function tests along with other diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of your symptoms.

The impact of liver disorders on overall health

Liver disorders can have far-reaching effects on your health. The liver plays a crucial role in numerous bodily functions, including:

• Filtering toxins from the blood
• Producing bile for fat digestion
• Storing vitamins and minerals
• Regulating blood sugar levels
• Producing proteins essential for blood clotting

When liver function is compromised, it can lead to a wide range of health problems, affecting everything from digestion to blood clotting. This underscores the importance of regular liver health monitoring, especially for those at higher risk of liver disease.

Maintaining Optimal Liver Health: Prevention and Lifestyle Factors

While some liver conditions are genetic or caused by factors beyond our control, many liver problems are preventable. Here are some strategies to maintain optimal liver health:

1. Limit alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol intake is a leading cause of liver disease. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation. The CDC defines moderate drinking as up to one drink per day for women and up to two drinks per day for men.

2. Maintain a healthy weight

Obesity is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of liver problems.

3. Practice safe sex and hygiene

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

4. Get vaccinated

Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B. If you’re at risk, talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated.

5. Use medications responsibly

Take medications only as prescribed and be aware of potential liver-related side effects. Avoid mixing medications with alcohol unless approved by your doctor.

6. Eat a liver-friendly diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support liver health. Foods particularly beneficial for the liver include:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Berries
• Fatty fish
• Nuts
• Green tea
• Coffee (in moderation)

7. Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps the liver perform its functions more efficiently and can help prevent liver damage.

8. Limit exposure to toxins

Be cautious when using aerosol cleaning products, insecticides, and other chemicals. Always work in well-ventilated areas and wear protective gear when necessary.

By incorporating these lifestyle changes and being proactive about your liver health, you can significantly reduce your risk of liver disease. Regular check-ups and liver function tests, especially if you’re in a high-risk group, can help ensure that any potential issues are caught and addressed early.

The Future of Liver Function Testing: Advances and Innovations

As medical science advances, so do the methods for assessing liver health. While traditional liver function tests remain valuable, researchers are developing new techniques to provide even more accurate and comprehensive liver health assessments. Some exciting developments include:

1. Non-invasive imaging techniques

Advanced imaging technologies like FibroScan (transient elastography) can assess liver fibrosis and steatosis without the need for invasive procedures. These methods are particularly useful for monitoring conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

2. Genetic testing

Genetic tests can help identify individuals at higher risk for certain liver diseases, allowing for earlier intervention and more personalized treatment approaches.

3. Biomarker discovery

Researchers are continually identifying new biomarkers that can provide more specific information about liver health and disease progression. These may lead to more targeted and sensitive liver function tests in the future.

4. Artificial intelligence in liver health assessment

AI algorithms are being developed to analyze liver function test results along with other patient data to provide more accurate diagnoses and predict disease progression.

5. Microbiome analysis

Emerging research suggests that the gut microbiome plays a significant role in liver health. Future liver health assessments may include analysis of the gut microbiome to provide a more comprehensive picture of liver function and disease risk.

These advancements promise to enhance our ability to detect and manage liver diseases, potentially leading to better outcomes for patients with liver disorders. However, it’s important to note that many of these technologies are still in development or not widely available. Traditional liver function tests remain the cornerstone of liver health assessment for most patients.

As we continue to learn more about liver health and disease, the importance of regular monitoring and early intervention becomes increasingly clear. Liver function tests, whether traditional or advanced, play a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. By staying informed about your liver health and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take proactive steps to protect this vital organ and enjoy better overall health.

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.