How do liver function tests help diagnose cirrhosis. What are the key blood tests for assessing liver health. Which imaging techniques are used to detect liver damage. Why is early diagnosis of cirrhosis crucial for treatment outcomes.

The Importance of Early Cirrhosis Detection

Cirrhosis is a serious liver condition characterized by scarring that impairs the organ’s vital functions. Early detection is crucial for effective management and potential reversal of liver damage. However, cirrhosis often progresses silently in its initial stages, making routine check-ups and liver function tests essential for at-risk individuals.

Why is timely diagnosis so critical? Early intervention can:

• Halt the progression of liver damage
• Improve treatment outcomes
• Potentially reverse some scarring
• Prevent life-threatening complications

Physical Examination: The First Step in Cirrhosis Diagnosis

A thorough physical examination is the initial step in diagnosing cirrhosis. During this assessment, healthcare providers look for telltale signs that may indicate liver dysfunction. What are the key physical indicators of cirrhosis?

• Abdominal swelling (ascites)
• Changes in liver size (enlarged or shrunken)
• Gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue in men)
• Palmar erythema (redness on palms)
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Spider angiomas (red, spider-like blood vessels on the skin)

While these physical signs can be indicative of cirrhosis, they are not definitive. Further diagnostic tests are necessary to confirm the presence and extent of liver damage.

Blood Tests: Unveiling Liver Function and Damage

Blood tests play a crucial role in assessing liver health and function. These tests measure various enzymes, proteins, and other substances that reflect the liver’s condition. Which blood tests are most important for evaluating liver function?

Liver Enzyme Tests

Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) are enzymes that help break down proteins. Elevated levels of these enzymes in the blood can indicate liver cell damage. However, it’s important to note that normal levels do not necessarily rule out cirrhosis, as levels can fluctuate throughout the disease progression.

Protein Production Tests

The liver is responsible for producing several important proteins. Albumin, a key protein synthesized by the liver, is often measured to assess liver function. Low albumin levels can suggest impaired liver synthetic function, which is common in advanced cirrhosis.

Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. In cirrhosis, the liver may struggle to process bilirubin effectively, leading to its accumulation in the blood. Elevated bilirubin levels can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Coagulation Tests

The liver produces proteins essential for blood clotting. Prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR) tests assess how well the blood clots. Prolonged clotting times can indicate liver dysfunction and may suggest cirrhosis.

Additional Blood Tests

Other blood tests that may be conducted include:

• Creatinine test (to assess kidney function, which can be affected in advanced cirrhosis)
• Sodium blood test (low sodium levels can be associated with cirrhosis)
• Specific tests to determine the underlying cause of liver damage (e.g., viral hepatitis markers, autoimmune antibodies)

Imaging Techniques: Visualizing Liver Damage

While blood tests provide valuable information about liver function, imaging studies offer a visual representation of liver structure and potential damage. What imaging techniques are commonly used to diagnose cirrhosis?

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

CT scans use X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the liver. These scans can reveal:

• Changes in liver size and shape
• Presence of nodules or tumors
• Signs of portal hypertension

Contrast dye may be used to enhance image clarity and highlight specific liver structures.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

MRI employs powerful magnets and radio waves to generate high-resolution images of the liver. This technique is particularly useful for:

• Detecting subtle changes in liver tissue
• Identifying early stages of fibrosis
• Assessing blood flow within the liver

Like CT scans, contrast agents may be used to improve image quality and diagnostic accuracy.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound imaging uses sound waves to create real-time images of the liver. This non-invasive technique can:

• Evaluate liver size and texture
• Detect fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites)
• Assess blood flow in liver vessels

Ultrasound is often used as an initial screening tool due to its accessibility and lack of radiation exposure.

Endoscopy: Exploring Internal Complications

Endoscopy is a procedure that uses a flexible tube with a camera to examine the upper digestive tract. In the context of cirrhosis diagnosis, endoscopy is primarily used to identify and assess complications such as esophageal varices.

Why is endoscopy important in cirrhosis evaluation?

• It can detect enlarged blood vessels in the esophagus or stomach, which are at risk of bleeding
• It allows for the assessment of portal hypertension severity
• It provides an opportunity for prophylactic treatment of varices to prevent bleeding

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: Elastography

Newer diagnostic tools have emerged to assess liver fibrosis and cirrhosis non-invasively. Two notable techniques are:

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE)

MRE combines MRI technology with sound waves to measure liver stiffness. This technique:

• Provides a quantitative assessment of liver fibrosis
• Can detect early stages of fibrosis before visible changes occur
• Offers a comprehensive evaluation of the entire liver

Transient Elastography (FibroScan)

Transient elastography uses ultrasound waves to measure liver stiffness. Benefits of this technique include:

• Quick and non-invasive procedure
• Ability to assess fibrosis progression over time
• Reduced need for liver biopsies in some cases

While these elastography techniques are gaining popularity, their availability may be limited to specialized liver centers.

Liver Biopsy: The Gold Standard for Diagnosis

Despite advances in non-invasive diagnostic techniques, liver biopsy remains the gold standard for confirming cirrhosis and determining its cause. How is a liver biopsy performed?

1. The skin over the liver is numbed with local anesthesia
2. A thin needle is inserted through the abdominal wall into the liver
3. A small sample of liver tissue is extracted
4. The sample is examined under a microscope for signs of damage and scarring

Liver biopsy offers several advantages:

• Provides definitive diagnosis of cirrhosis
• Helps determine the underlying cause of liver damage
• Assesses the extent and pattern of fibrosis
• Guides treatment decisions and prognosis

However, it’s important to note that liver biopsy is an invasive procedure with potential risks. The decision to perform a biopsy should be made carefully, considering the patient’s overall health and the availability of non-invasive alternatives.

Comprehensive Approach to Cirrhosis Diagnosis

Diagnosing cirrhosis requires a comprehensive approach that combines various diagnostic tools and techniques. Why is a multi-faceted diagnostic strategy crucial?

• Different tests provide complementary information about liver health and function
• Some tests may be more sensitive to early-stage liver damage
• Combining multiple diagnostic methods increases accuracy and reduces the risk of misdiagnosis
• A comprehensive evaluation helps determine the underlying cause of cirrhosis, which is essential for appropriate treatment

Healthcare providers typically follow a stepwise approach to cirrhosis diagnosis:

1. Thorough medical history and physical examination
2. Blood tests to assess liver function and identify potential causes
3. Imaging studies to visualize liver structure and detect complications
4. Non-invasive fibrosis assessment (e.g., elastography) when available
5. Liver biopsy, if necessary, to confirm diagnosis and determine the extent of damage

This systematic approach ensures a thorough evaluation of liver health and provides the most accurate diagnosis possible.

Beyond Diagnosis: Monitoring and Management of Cirrhosis

Once cirrhosis is diagnosed, ongoing monitoring and management are essential to prevent disease progression and complications. How do healthcare providers monitor patients with cirrhosis?

• Regular blood tests to assess liver function and detect changes
• Periodic imaging studies to monitor liver structure and identify potential complications
• Endoscopic surveillance for esophageal varices
• Screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
• Assessment of nutritional status and management of complications

The frequency and type of monitoring tests depend on the severity of cirrhosis and individual patient factors. Close collaboration between patients and their healthcare team is crucial for optimal management of cirrhosis.

In conclusion, the diagnosis of cirrhosis involves a comprehensive evaluation using various diagnostic tools and techniques. Early detection through routine check-ups and liver function tests is crucial for improving outcomes and potentially reversing liver damage. By understanding the diagnostic process and importance of ongoing monitoring, patients and healthcare providers can work together to effectively manage cirrhosis and prevent complications.

Do I Have Cirrhosis? What Tests and Exams Will My Doctor Use to Find Out?

Cirrhosis creates scars that damage your liver. This damage can prevent this vital organ from doing important jobs like helping with digestion and removing toxins from your body. The sooner your doctor diagnoses cirrhosis, the faster you can get treated and put a stop to the damage. You might even be able to reverse some of the scarring.

In its early stages, cirrhosis usually doesn’t cause symptoms. You might not realize you have it unless your doctor finds signs of liver damage on a blood test during a routine checkup.

If you do have symptoms like yellow skin (jaundice), fatigue, and easy bruising or bleeding, see your doctor right away. Blood tests and imaging scans can show whether you have cirrhosis.

Physical Examination

First, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, your health, and your family’s health history. They’ll also look for telltale signs of cirrhosis, like these:

• A swollen belly
• Liver size, sometimes enlarged and sometimes normal or small
• Extra breast tissue (in men)
• Redness on your palms
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Red blood vessels on your skin

Blood Tests

If you have symptoms of cirrhosis or you’re at risk for the disease, your doctor will take a sample of your blood. These help spot signs of cirrhosis liver damage. They may help your doctor learn what caused the disease.

Liver tests measure levels of enzymes and proteins your liver makes. These tests include:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). These help your body break down protein and amino acid. Levels of both ALT and AST in your blood are usually low. High levels can mean that your liver is leaking these enzymes because it’s damaged from cirrhosis or another disease. However, levels can still be normal if you have cirrhosis.
• Albumin test. Albumin is a protein that’s made by the liver. When the liver is damaged, the level of albumin in the blood falls.
• Bilirubin level. This is a yellow pigment that’s left over when old blood cells are broken down. The liver normally removes bilirubin from the blood and gets rid of it in the stool. But when the liver isn’t working properly, bilirubin builds up in the blood and can cause the skin and eyes to become yellow. This is called jaundice.
• Creatinine. This is a waste product made by your muscles. Your kidneys normally filter it out of your blood. A high creatinine level is a sign of kidney damage, which can happen in the late stages of cirrhosis.
• Prothrombin time or international normalized ratio. Your liver makes substances that help your blood clot. This test checks to see how well your blood clots. If it clots too slowly, cirrhosis could be a possible cause.
• Sodium blood test. If the sodium level in your blood is low, it could be an indicator that you have cirrhosis. A low level of sodium in the blood is called hyponatremia.

Your doctor can use the results of these tests to give you a Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. This shows how much your liver has been damaged, and whether you need a liver transplant.

Other blood tests your doctor might order include:

Imaging Tests

Your doctor might order one or more of these to see if you have scarring or other damage to your liver:

• CT scan. Using X-rays and a computer, it makes detailed pictures of your liver. You might get a contrast dye before the test to help your doctor see your liver more clearly.
• MRI. This uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of your liver. You might get contrast dye before the test.
• Ultrasound. It uses sound waves to make pictures of your liver.
• Endoscopy. It uses a flexible tube with a light and camera on one end. It can be used to look for abnormal blood vessels called varices. These form when cirrhosis scars block blood flow in the portal vein that carries blood to your liver. Over time, pressure builds up in this vein. Blood backs up into blood vessels in the stomach, intestines, or esophagus.
• Magnetic resonance elastography and transient elastography. These newer tests look for stiffness in your liver caused by cirrhosis scars. Your doctor might use them instead of a liver biopsy, because they’re less invasive. But they’re not yet widely available.

​​​​​​​Liver Biopsy

During this procedure, your doctor first numbs the skin on your belly over your liver. Then, they place a thin needle through your belly into your liver and removes a small piece of tissue. They might use a CT scan, ultrasound, or other imaging method to guide the needle.

The tissue sample goes to a lab. A lab tech looks at it under a microscope for signs of damage. A biopsy can diagnose cirrhosis and help your doctor learn the cause.

Getting the Right Diagnosis

Other diseases can have some of the same symptoms as cirrhosis. Make sure you’re comfortable with your doctor’s diagnosis. If not, you always have the option to get a second opinion from another doctor.

Liver Function Tests – an overview

Liver Function Test Abnormalities: Clinicopathologic Correlates

LFTs are usually obtained incidentally as part of a blood chemistry panel. In SLE, nonspecific liver enzyme elevations occur frequently; however, the significance of such abnormalities has been a matter of controversy, and several studies have tried to address their importance (Table 37. 1). LFT abnormalities in SLE are the result of the administration of medications such as NSAIDs or methotrexate, or they are elevated because of increased muscle enzyme levels. It is thought that SLE patients have high levels of systemic oxidative stress, which makes them more susceptible to such drug-induced liver injury. Rarely, acute toxic hepatitis with 10-fold elevation in liver enzymes may occur with hydroxychlorquine.¹²⁴

The association of liver abnormalities in SLE with disease activity remains unclear. In a longitudinal study of 435 SLE patients¹¹⁹ ≥2-fold elevation of AST or ALT was associated with higher SLEDAI (7.8 ± 0.7) relative to those without (5.8 ± 0.3; p = 0.0025). Presence of antismooth muscle antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, hypocomplementemia, proteinuria, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and antiphospholipid syndrome was increased in those with LD. An absence of LD was noted among SLE patients receiving rapamycin (relative to azathioprine, cyclosporine, or cyclophosphamide) and N-acetylcysteine. LFTs were normalized, and SLEDAI was diminished with increased prednisone use in 76/90 LD patients over 12.1 ± 2.6 months. Miller and colleagues¹¹⁶ undertook a prospective study in 260 patients with SLE and 100 control subjects for 12 months. Of the 60 patients with SLE and abnormal liver function testing, 41 were traced to an identifiable cause (e.g., aspirin in 27 patients, alcohol in 6 patients, other causes in 7 patients). Thus they found a high incidence of subclinical LD; only 2% of patients had clinical LD. Moreover, in 12 of 15 patients with elevated transaminase levels, changes in serum ALT corresponded to active lupus. Petri and colleagues¹³² reported an association between elevated liver enzymes with disease activity, among 216 SLE patients with abnormal LFTs over 1717 visits. On the other hand, the same authors reported that severe LD can be present in patients with SLE with only minimal laboratory abnormalities consistent with active lupus. In another study elevations in LFTs were associated with disease activity and liver membrane autoantibodies. ¹³³

Tsuji and colleagues¹³⁴ reviewed the records of hospitalized patients with lupus over a decade and found 73 patients with elevated transaminases. Of these patients, 43 (58.9%) did not have an identifiable cause of elevated transaminases and was attributed to active SLE. Of the identifiable cause of elevated liver enzymes, seven (9.6%) patients were identified to have hemophagocytic syndrome on the basis of a significant elevation of serum ferritin levels. This group of patients also had the highest elevation in liver enzymes. Viral infections were not ruled out as the cause of hemophagocytic syndrome in this retrospective review.

van Hoek¹³⁵ reviewed the causes of elevated liver enzymes in SLE and found that medications such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and azathioprine were the most common causes. LFT abnormalities may result from nonliver-related causes such as unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, hemolysis, or hepatitis, resulting from immunologic, infectious, or drug-related causes. Takahashi and colleagues¹³¹ reported on 206 SLE patients, 123 (59.7%) of which had liver dysfunction. The causes of liver dysfunction were as follows: drug induced (30.9%), SLE induced (28.5%), fatty liver (17.9%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (4.9%), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) (2.4%), cholangitis (1.6%), alcohol (1.6%), and viral hepatitis (0.8%).

Table 37.1 summarizes the important studies that reported pathologic findings of liver involvement in SLE.^120,125-131 Based on the studies in Table 37.1, fatty liver is very common in SLE. Fatty livers are usually associated with corticosteroid therapy. Matsumoto and colleagues¹²⁰ published their findings on 73 liver biopsies and found that fatty liver was identified in 72% of the cases. Several additional reports in the literature have commented on the presence of nodular regeneration and hyperplasia in SLE. The patients in these reports had normal LFT results. This underdiagnosed finding could be secondary to steroid or danazol administration. Concentric membranous bodies in hepatocytes are found in hepatomas but are occasionally seen in lupus, and they reflect increased protein synthesis during regeneration. End-stage LD is not common in SLE unless accompanied by other diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty LD, AIH, or viral hepatitis.

Another rare finding in lupus is peliosis hepatis. In this condition, blood-filled spaces occur in the liver from diverse causes including injury from drugs and infections on the flow of blood from the sinusoids to the centrilobular veins. Langlet¹³⁶ reported on three patients associated with lupus that improved with immunosuppressive treatment.

In summary, most patients with SLE and elevated LFTs have liver biopsy specimens that reveal nodules, mild fatty changes, or mild fibrosis. Rarely, features of chronic active hepatitis are found.

Hepatic Function Blood Test | Walk-In Lab

Order a hepatic function panel and browse wide range of blood tests from Walk-In Lab that can be completed with confidentiality, affordability, and convenience in mind. You’ll be able to access the medical testing kits you need, at prices that are often far lower than what you may find through traditional healthcare networks. When time is of the essence and costs must be considered, choose Walk-in Lab every time! And now, our hepatic function panels are available, and they’re able to test for a host of liver functionality concerns, including:


• Amino acid levels: Appropriate levels of amino acids in the blood will allow the body to regulate nearly every function and process within the body. These acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they aid in the building and maintenance of bones, tendons, skin, ligaments, and more.
• Total protein: This test detects the protein levels in the blood and measures both major groups of blood proteins – albumin and globulin. Albumin is created in the liver and helps carry medicinal substances throughout the body. It can also help to repair and grow new tissue. Globulin is comprised of three proteins – alpha, beta, and gamma, and is helpful in fighting infections. Abnormal globulin levels can also indicate the presence of blood diseases.
• Bilirubin tests: The presence of bilirubin in the blood can indicate whether the liver is functioning appropriately. High levels of bilirubin can indicate blood disorders, jaundice, or blockage of the bile ducts. This is an especially important test for newborns, as the presence of high levels of bilirubin can inflict serious injury – including brain damage.
• Creatine serum levels: This important test detects the level of creatine in the blood. Creatine is a substance that is made primarily in the liver, then transported to the muscles where it acts as an energy source for muscle movement. Many individuals take creatine as a supplement, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking it – prior to the test.


Before taking any hepatic function panel or live blood tests, ensure that you follow the pre-testing requirements and act in accordance with doctor’s orders. These tests are remarkably accurate, but they may require the patient to abstain from food or alcohol prior to testing to ensure exact results. As always, you can expect incredibly low prices, a convenient and low-stress testing process, and remarkably quick turnaround times. Instead of paying exorbitant amounts for your hepatic blood testing, simply choose the testing kit that will help your doctor make an accurate assessment of your current health condition – select a test through Walk-in Lab.


A hepatic function panel can help you assess your present state of health, and liver concerns are often quite manageable when they are caught early on. Don’t let your health issue spiral out of control due to the high cost of testing, especially when you can order kits from Walk-in Lab for as low as $20! With a comprehensive suite of available tests at today’s lowest prices, you simply can’t go wrong.

Thank you for browsing our selection of Hepatic Function blood tests and panels. Shop additional Liver Tests confidentially and order online without insurance or a doctor’s note.

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Walk-In Lab is contracted with LabCorp (LC) and Quest Diagnostics (QD) for routine lab testing. Please choose LC or QD to complete your order. If you prefer to receive a kit by mail for specimen collection, please see our Home Test Kits. LC and QD tests must be ordered separately.

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Liver Function Tests | SGOT & SGPT | ALT & AST

Liver function tests are a group of tests conducted in blood that help in diagnosing liver disorders and to detect inflammation and damage to the liver. LFT also check how well the liver is functioning. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood.

Australia Antigen Test for Hepatitis B

Also known as HBsAg and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Australia antigen is Hepatitis B surface antigen. A positive Australia antigen test report means that the person may be suffering from hepatitis B. This may be acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis or in carrier state. This test is done in a blood sample.

Liver function tests are done if:

• You are on a long term regime of medication that can harm the liver
• You have any suspected liver disease
• You have symptoms of bile or liver disease ( such as abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, or yellowish discoloration of skin)
• You drink alcohol regularly and excessively

Tests for liver enzymes

ALT and AST:

These enzymes, formerly known as SGOT and SGPT, are normally found in liver cells that leak out of cells and mixes in blood when liver cells gets injured. The ALT is a more specific indicator of liver inflammation as AST can also be found in other organs like heart and skeletal muscles. Due to injury to the liver, as in cases of viral hepatitis, the level of the ALT and AST may be used as a general indicator of the degree of liver damage or inflammation.

Alkaline phosphatise:

The alkaline phosphatise is a commonly used test to detect obstruction in the biliary system (bile vessels). Elevation of this enzyme may be found in gallstone disease, excessive alcohol abuse and drug-induced hepatitis. It can also be found in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) or biliary tumours.

Other tests:

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is the primary bile pigment which, when elevated causes the yellow discoloration of the skin, commonly known as jaundice and is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of red blood cells in the body. Bilirubin can be elevated in many forms of liver or biliary diseases.

Albumin

It is a major protein which is formed by the liver. Although there could be several factors which can affect the level of albumin in the blood but chronic liver diseases causes a dip in the amount of albumin produced, and therefore the level of albumin in the blood gets reduced and shows up in the albumin test.

GGT and LDH

Gamma-glutamyltransferase is an enzyme found in the blood. Abnormally high levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage.

LDH-lactate dehydrogenase is also an enzyme found in the liver and its elevated levels may indicate liver damage.

A regular preventive health checkup will keep you updated with the status of your liver and its functioning.

Depending on the results of certain tests, many ailments and diseases can be easily detected. Liver function tests give an insight of liver health. Indus Health Plus offers comprehensive health checkup and offers your complete health status in a better way. Get in touch with us by filling up the query form and our team will contact you soon.

Also known as HBsAg and Hepatitis B Surface Antigen, Australia antigen is Hepatitis B surface antigen. A positive Australia antigen test report means that the person may be suffering from hepatitis B. This may be acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis or in carrier state. This test is done in a blood sample.

Are you looking to modify your lifestyle and habits to improve the quality of your life? Answer simple questions related to your Immunity, Fitness, Nutrition, Health and Habits check your health assessment. View More

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Liver Tests | Order Online | Discount Prices

Your liver performs a number of important functions in the body that are essential to your health and well-being. It helps the body process foods, aids in removing toxins from your blood, manufactures blood clotting factors, makes vital proteins and stores energy for when your body needs it most, among other functions. For these reasons, keeping your liver healthy is essential to keeping yourself healthy. A liver function test can help, providing early warning of any potential problems with liver health and function.

Why is liver function testing done?

Liver function tests are done for a variety of reasons. They may be done as part of a regular check-up, simply to ensure that all is well with liver functions. Doctors often recommend an annual liver test for people who have a family history of liver disease, placing them at increased risk, or who have symptoms that may indicate liver trouble, which may include:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
• Dark urine and/or light-colored or yellowish stool
• Abdominal pain
• Swelling around the eyes, in the abdominal area and/or of the legs

Regular liver screening tests may also be recommended for individuals who are taking medications that could cause liver damage over time, or who have a history of alcohol or drug abuse that might increase risk of liver damage or disease. Liver function tests may also be used to help track health status in people who have already been diagnosed with liver disease, with the purpose of monitoring the effects of treatment and/or keeping watch for further deterioration in liver function. Lastly, liver function tests may be done in women who are pregnant or may become pregnant to screen for infectious liver disease that could be transmitted to an unborn child.

What can cause liver problems?

Among the most common causes of liver disease are viral infections. They may be spread via blood or semen, through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Viral infections typically cause inflammation (swelling) in the liver that reduces its ability to function normally. The most common viruses to infect the liver are:

• Hepatitis A – This highly contagious form of hepatitis is transmitted through food or water, as well as by infected individuals.
• Hepatitis B – A contagious liver infection transmitted via blood or body fluids.
• Hepatitis C – Also a form of hepatitis that is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids.

Autoimmune disease are another potential cause of liver damage. These are conditions in which the body’s own immune system attacks the liver, degrading its ability to function. These include:

• Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) – This disease slowly destroys bile ducts in the liver, leading to cirrhosis (scarring) of liver tissue.
• Autoimmune hepatitis – Causes inflammation as the immune system attacks liver cells, which can result in liver damage and failure over time.
• Primary sclerosing cholangitis – Creates inflammation in the bile ducts that leads to liver damage, and eventually, to liver failure.

Other common causes of liver disease include chronic, heavy consumption of alcohol, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, in which excessive amounts of fat accumulate in the liver.

How do liver function tests work to medically assess liver health?

Liver function tests are used to detect and/or measure amounts of specific proteins and enzymes in the blood. Depending upon the exact test, higher or lower than normal levels of these substances can indicate the presence of liver disease or damage. Among the most common tests included in liver function panel are:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT) test – ALT is an enzyme, primarily found in the liver, that is used to metabolize protein. When the liver is damaged or is functioning poorly, it is released from the liver into the blood. For that reason, tests that show high levels of this enzyme in the blood can indicate that liver damage or disease is present.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test – ALP is also an enzyme, and it is found in the liver, bile ducts or bones. High levels found in the blood via testing can be a sign of bile duct blockage, liver damage or bone disease.
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) test – This enzyme can be found in several areas of the body, including the liver, muscles and heart. Liver damage can release AST into the blood, so tests that measure its levels in the bloodstream are often part of liver function panels.
• Albumin test – Albumin is an essential protein, made by the liver, that helps maintain blood vessels and tissues, as well as transporting hormones, nutrients and other vital substances throughout the body. Low levels of albumin in the blood can indicate poor liver function.
• Bilirubin test – Bilirubin levels in the blood can provide information about liver function. A waste product, bilirubin is produced as reach the end of their lifespan and break down. This waste product passes through the liver, where it is processed to be eliminated from the body in the stool. Abnormally high levels of bilirubin in the blood is a sign that the liver is no longer able to cleanse this waste product from the body efficiently, indicating poor liver function.

Where can I get liver function testing near me?

Find your state below, or search by zip-code using our lab locator.

Auckland Gastroenterology Associates – Abnormal Liver Tests

The term “liver function tests” (often abbreviated to “LFTs” by your doctor) is a commonly used term applied to a variety of blood tests that reflect the general state of the liver and biliary system.

Routine blood tests can be either tests that are simply markers
of liver or biliary tract injury (the liver enzymes tests), or true
LFTs, such as serum albumin or prothrombin time. In addition, your
doctor may order specific liver tests that if positive, can
determine the specific cause of liver disease.

What do liver enzyme tests show?

There are two general categories of “liver enzymes”. The first
group includes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate
aminotransferase (AST), formerly referred to as the SGPT and SGOT
respectively. These enzymes are indicators of liver cell damage or
hepatitis. The second group of liver enzymes are alkaline
phosphatase (ALP) and gammaglutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) – these
indicate obstruction to the biliary system or cholestasis, either
within the liver or in the larger bile channels outside the liver.
However, both liver and biliary disease often cause a simultaneous
disturbance of the liver enzymes indicating liver cell damage and
jobstruction of the biliary system. Finally, the bilirubin level is
elevated in people with jaundice.

When do abnormal liver enzyme tests need to be elevated?

Abnormal liver enzyme tests are frequently discovered on routine
blood testing often as part of a regular medical checkup and may
not be of any clinical significance. The normal range quoted by the
laboratory is the mean value in a group of healthy people ±2 SD.
Thus, 5 percent of the results from normal people fall outside the
normal range of which 2.5 percent will be above the normal range.
If the liver enzyme test elevation is minor (less than twice the
upper limit of normal) and the person asymptomatic it is most
appropriate to repeat the liver enzyme tests after an interval of
one to two months. If the liver enzyme test elevation persists then
your doctor would usually undertake further laboratory and/or
radiological investigations to determine the cause. Evaluation of
an isolated evaluation of ALT or AST differs from that for someone
with an isolated elevation of ALP or GGT. Evidence of liver
synthetic failure such as a low albumin or prolonged prothrombin
ratio should prompt urgent evaluation and referral to a
gastroenterologist or liver specialist.

What are the cause of abnormal liver enzyme tests?

There multiple possible cause of elevated liver enzyme tests and
the differential diagnosis varies with age. Common causes of
hepatitis in adults are fatty liver, viral hepatitis, prescribed and nonprescribed
drugs including alcohol. The most common cause of cholestasis is
bile duct obstruction from gallstones or narrowing of the bile
ducts and drugs.

See also patient information on cirrhosis.

Early detection of “silent” liver cirrhosis

Typical symptoms of liver cirrhosis

The liver is known as a silent organ, as even when a liver failure occurs, the symptoms often go unnoticed. When symptoms such as jaundice become apparent, the disorder will have already reached an advanced stage.

When liver function declines, your body will feel sluggish; you will feel tired and lose your appetite. In addition to these systemic symptoms, you may also develop symptoms such as those shown in the diagram above. If you have any of these symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

The classification of liver cirrhosis is determined according to the appearance of symptoms: liver cirrhosis resulting in obvious symptoms such as jaundice, ascites (accumulation of fluid in the abdomen), and hepatic encephalopathy (confusion and coma) is called decompensated cirrhosis, whereas liver cirrhosis that does not produce these symptoms is called compensated cirrhosis.

Blood tests to find abnormalities in your liver

Liver cirrhosis is a disease which causes a hardening of the organ. Nodules and irregularities form both inside and on the outer surface of the liver; these changes can be detected through an ultrasonic examination or CT scan. Because the function of the liver only decreases gradually, liver cirrhosis often goes undetected and unnoticed. Because of this, it is important to have regular examinations.

Summaries of the common blood tests used are listed below.

Common blood tests

ALT (GPT)

This test detects the presence of the enzyme alanine aminotransferase in the bloodstream. Because this enzyme is usually only found in the liver, if detected in the bloodstream it indicates that the liver has been damaged causing the enzyme to leak out.
Reference range: 4 to 43IU/L

AST (GOT)

This test detects the presence of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase in the bloodstream. This enzyme is also usually only found in the liver, so an increased amount in the bloodstream indicates liver damage.
Reference range: 7 to 38IU/L

Albumin

Albumin is a protein that is exclusively made by the liver and accounts for more than half of the protein in the blood. When liver function decreases, the value of albumin also decreases.
Reference range: 3.8~5.1g/dL

γ-GTP

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GTP) is an enzyme produced in the liver. When alcohol intake is high, or fatty liver is present, the amount of the enzyme found in the blood increases.
Reference range:

Men 73IU/L

Women 48IU/L

Total Bilirubin

Bilirubin is a pigment made when red blood cells are broken. When the function of the liver decreases, the amount of bilirubin in the bloodstream also decreases.
Reference value 0.2 to 1.2mg/dL

Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nutritionist about your daily intake of protein and calories.

Biochemical blood test – biochemistry for hepatitis and other liver diseases

Biochemical analyzes are widely used in clinical practice in
in cases where the disease is based on metabolic disorders
(for example, diabetes mellitus) or when biochemical changes are
a consequence of a disease (for example, liver failure).

In practical medicine, biochemical tests are used to solve the following problems:
• screening – detection of the disease at the preclinical stage;
• diagnostics – confirmation or exclusion of the diagnosis;
• prognosis – determining the magnitude of the risk of developing the disease, the characteristics of the course of the disease and its outcome;
• monitoring – monitoring the course of the disease or response to treatment.

This is achieved through the use of various research methods,
aimed at determining the concentration of biologically important chemical
substances (proteins, carbohydrates, lipids), various products of their transformations,
activity of enzymes, hormones, mediators and other biologically
active compounds in biological fluids of the body
person.

Protein metabolism

Human blood plasma contains more than 100 different types of proteins,
differing in origin and function. Protein concentration in
plasma depends on the ratio between the rate of their synthesis and
excretion from the body, as well as the volume of distribution.

Studies of the protein picture of blood are one of the most
common biochemical tests to assess the condition
the patient. This is largely due to the fact that the protein components of the blood
perform a variety of enzymatic, hormonal, immunological and
other functions in the human body.

There is practically not a single disease that does not find its
reflections in shifts of protein metabolism, both quantitative and
of a qualitative nature. At the same time, it should be noted that
observed shifts are standard (non-specific for a certain
diseases) and are of the same type, which complicates their clinical assessment.

However, the analysis of blood proteins allows you to monitor the dynamics
pathological process in the patient and the effectiveness of treatment, as well as
to judge the severity of protein metabolism disorders.
To the most important indicators that are important in the diagnosis of many
diseases, includes the content of total protein in the blood serum,
albumin, protein fractions and individual proteins.

Exchange of pigments

Bile pigments are the breakdown products of hemoglobin and other
myoglobin chromoproteins, cytochromes and heme-containing enzymes. TO
bile pigments include bilirubin and urobilin bodies –
urobilinoids.

Total bilirubin

Other indicators

Alanine aminotransferase ALT

Aspartate aminotransferase AST

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP)

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

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Synonyms: Blood test for extended liver examination; Extended liver examination; Detailed laboratory examination of the liver.Liver Function Tests; LFTs; LFs; Liver Panel; Liver blood tests.

Profile Composition:

No. 13 Bilirubin total

No. 14 Bilirubin direct (Bilirubin conjugated, bound; Bilirubin direct)

No. 8 ALAT (ALT, alanine aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, SGPT, Alanine aminotransferase)

No. 9 AsAT (AST, aspartate aminotransferase, AST, SGOT, Aspartate aminotransferase)

No. 15 Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, glutamyl transpeptidase, GGT, Gamma-glutamyl transferase)

No. 36 Alkaline phosphatase (ALP, Alkaline phosphatase, ALP)

No. 34 Cholinesterase (S-Pseudocholinesterase, cholinesterase II, S-ChE, acylcholine acylhydrolase, Cholinesterase)

No. 16 Glucose (in blood) (Glucose)

No. 28 Total protein (in blood) (Protein total)

No. 29 Protein fractions (Serum Protein Electrophoresis, SPE)

No. 31 Total cholesterol (cholesterol, Cholesterol total)

No. 26 Urea (in blood) (Urea)

No. 2 Prothrombin, INR (prothrombin time, PT, Prothrombin, INR)

No. 73 HBsAg, qualitative test (HBs antigen, hepatitis B virus surface antigen, “Australian” antigen)

No. 79 Anti-HCV-total (antibodies to hepatitis C virus antigens)

In what cases the “Liver examination: extended” is carried out:

• detection of liver damage;
• assessment of the synthesizing and excretory functions of the organ;
• search for possible causes of liver pathology;
• in the presence of symptoms of diseases of the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts.

Brief description of the profile “Examination of the liver: extended”

The liver is the largest internal organ. Its main functions include: metabolic, storage, barrier, excretory, homeostatic, detoxification. The liver is involved in the metabolism of nutrients that enter it through the portal vein after intestinal absorption. Most of the proteins of the blood plasma are synthesized in it. The liver is involved in maintaining blood glucose levels (using glycogen stores or by synthesis), as well as in the metabolism of lipids, a number of hormones and vitamins. This organ plays an important role in the detoxification and elimination of potentially toxic endogenous metabolic products and exogenous substances (including bilirubin, hormone metabolites, drugs, etc.), ammonium formed during the metabolism of amino acids is converted into urea by the liver. The bile produced by the liver is secreted into the intestines, which serves as a pathway for the elimination of waste products of metabolism. The components of bile are important for the intestinal digestion of fats. The bile reservoir is the gallbladder located under the liver.

Most of the liver diseases are directly related to factors of an unhealthy lifestyle: high-calorie diet, excessive consumption of saturated fats (fatty meat, high-fat dairy products), refined carbohydrates (bakery and confectionery products), combined with insufficient physical activity. This can lead to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Liver lesions can cause infectious diseases, some of which have a direct hepatotropic effect. Among them, one of the leading places in infectious pathology is occupied by viral hepatitis. The main causes of chronic viral hepatitis are hepatitis B and C viruses.

Alcoholic liver disease develops in 60-100% of alcohol abusers. Medicinal lesions of the liver account for about 10% of all adverse reactions caused by the use of pharmacological drugs.

Diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract are no less common (gallbladder dysfunction, chronic non-calculous cholecystitis, chronic calculous cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, etc.).).

In the presence of any symptoms, it is advisable to conduct a study “Examination of the liver: extended”

Symptoms of liver disease in the initial stages may be nonspecific. Some diseases are completely asymptomatic. Typical signs of liver dysfunction usually appear when a significant part of the organ is damaged and may include: general weakness, fatigue, discomfort or aching pain in the right hypochondrium, jaundice, itching, an increase in the abdomen, drowsiness during the day, insomnia at night, etc. There are also a large number of additional symptoms, the presence and intensity of which depend on the form of liver pathology, the activity of the disease and the degree of damage to the liver tissue.

The study makes it possible to clarify the cause of the onset of hepatic symptoms, which may accompany both diseases of the organ itself and other pathologies that affect liver function.

Specificity of laboratory diagnostics during the study “Examination of the liver: extended”

The profile includes a set of laboratory tests that can identify characteristic signs of liver cell damage and liver dysfunction, as well as assess the likely nature of problems in people with hepatic symptoms, which may relate to both the liver pathology itself and possible other health problems, which can affect the liver.

The study of the content of total bilirubin and its fractions is carried out for the differential diagnosis of jaundice.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) – transaminases, the simultaneous determination of the level of which is widely used in clinical practice. The enzymes ALT and AST are found in almost all cells of the human body. However, the largest amount of ALT is found in hepatocytes, therefore the level of this enzyme serves as a specific marker of liver damage.In turn, AST, in addition to the liver (in decreasing order of concentration), is contained in the heart and skeletal muscles, kidneys, pancreas, lungs, leukocytes and erythrocytes. In liver diseases, ALT activity is primarily and most significantly increased in comparison with AST.

Determination of the level of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the blood serum is used mainly to identify possible pathology of the liver and biliary tract.

Alkaline phosphatase is found in almost all organs, but its maximum activity is detected in the hepatobiliary system, bone tissue, intestines, placenta, lactating mammary gland.The hepatocellular mechanism of increasing the activity of alkaline phosphatase plays a leading role in viral and autoimmune hepatitis, toxic and medicinal damage to the liver.

Cholinesterase is synthesized in the liver. In chronic processes, especially in cirrhosis of the liver, the activity of the enzyme decreases, and the degree of reduction has a prognostic value.

Determination of the concentration of glucose in plasma or serum is used for the diagnosis and control of diabetes mellitus and other diseases associated with impaired carbohydrate metabolism.

Determination of the level of total protein and the ratio of protein fractions in the blood helps to identify abnormalities that can be observed in inflammatory processes associated with infections, autoimmune diseases of the liver, etc.

Determination of cholesterol level is used for screening assessment of lipid metabolism, violations of which can be observed in liver pathologies, and cardiovascular risks.

Urea is the main nitrogen-containing product of protein and amino acid catabolism in the human body.Weakened amino acid metabolism in severe liver disease and metabolic disorders leads to a decrease in urea levels.

Prothrombin, INR – coagulation test, which determines the clotting time of the patient’s blood plasma. The formation of the main factors of the prothrombin complex occurs in the liver, therefore this test is often used to assess the protein-synthesizing function of the gland.

HBsAg (surface antigen of viral hepatitis B) is the main marker used to identify those infected with hepatitis B virus and to diagnose the disease.

Determination of total antibodies to antigens of the hepatitis C virus is used for the primary screening of chronic HCV infection.

Material for research

See related tests.

Method of determination

See related tests.

Deadlines

1 p. d.

Units of measurement: cm.relevant tests.

Reference values ​​

See related tests.

Interpretation of results

Interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and does not constitute a diagnosis. The information in this section cannot be used for self-diagnosis and self-medication. An accurate diagnosis is made by a doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: anamnesis, results of other examinations, etc.d.

Interpretation of the results of the profile “Examination of the liver: extended”

See related tests.

Basic literature

1. Alekseeva ML, Dolgov VV Clinical laboratory diagnostics. – 2012.
2. WHO. Global health sector strategy on viral hepatitis 2016-2021.
3. WHO.Fact sheets on the Sustainable Development Goals: health-related targets. Viral hepatitis. – 2018.
4. Ivashkin VT et al. Clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease of the Russian Society for the Study of the Liver and the Russian Gastroenterological Association // Russian Journal of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Coloproctology. – 2016. – T. 26. – No. 2. – S. 24-42.
5. V. T. Ivashkinand other Medicinal lesions of the liver (clinical guidelines for doctors) // Russian journal of gastroenterology, hepatology, coloproctology. – 2019. – T. 29. – No. 1. – S. 85-115.
6. Ivashkin V.T., Lapina T.L. Gastroenterology: national guidance. – M.: GEOTAR-Media. – 2018.
7. Interpretation of biochemical blood test in liver pathology: a guide for doctors / Ipatova M.G., Shumilov P.V., Mukhina Yu.G. – M.: Prima Print. – 2017.- 136 p.
8. Klyaritskaya I. L. et al. Treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C according to the new recommendations of the European Society for the Study of the Liver in 2020 (EASL recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C, 2020) // Crimean Therapeutic Journal. – 2020. – No. 3.
9. Lazebnik LB et al. Alcoholic liver disease (ABD) in adults // Experimental and clinical gastroenterology. – 2020. – T. 174. – No. 2. – S. 4-28.
10. Lazebnik L.B. et al. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults: clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment. Recommendations for therapists, third version // Experimental and Clinical Gastroenterology. – 2021. – T. 1. – No. 1. – S. 4-52.
11. Visual Hepatology. Tutorial. Joshi D., Keane J., Brind E./Trans. from English Yu.O. Shulpekova / ed. Ch.S. Pavlova. – M.: Izd. GEOTAR-Media. – 2018 .– 162 p.
12. Podymova S. D. Liver diseases: a guide for doctors.- Ed. 5th, rev. and add. – M.: LLC “Medical Information Agency”. – 2018.
13. Pokrovsky VI et al. Viral hepatitis in the Russian Federation: An analytical review. Issue 10 // SPb .: FBUN NIIEM named after Pasteur. – 2016.
14. Medical decision support system. Gastroenterology: Clinical Treatment Protocols / Compiled by D. S. Bordin, K.A. Nikolskaya, Bakulin I.G. [and etc.]. – M.: GBU “NIIOZMM DZM”. – 2021 .– 136 p.
15. Chronic viral hepatitis B (CVHB) in adults.- 2019.
16. Shestakova I. V., Esaulenko E. V., Sukhoruk A. A. Chronic viral hepatitis C (CVHC) in adults. – 2016.
17. Yushchuk ND et al. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of adult patients with hepatitis C. – 2013.
18. Marchesini G. Clinical guidelines EASL-EASD-EASO for the diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease // Journal of hepatology. – 2016. – T. 2. – No. 5-P. – S. 1388-1402.

90,000 All types of tests for children at competitive prices in Mediart clinics

Tests for a child

Laboratory tests are a very important part of the diagnosis of any disease.The degree of this importance becomes especially clear when it comes to the diagnosis of diseases in young children who cannot understand, and sometimes formulate their complaints, and the pediatrician has to establish a diagnosis based only on survey data.

The doctor prescribes tests for the child to clarify the diagnosis, determine the function of a particular organ, and monitor the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment. We carry out all types of blood, urine, feces, allergy tests, immunological diagnostics and much more.

The formation and maturation of most blood cells (hematopoiesis) in humans occurs in the bone marrow, where a variety of blood cells are formed from a unique stem cell. Bone marrow is normally located in the large bones of the human skeleton, such as the femur, pelvic bones, sternum, and some others. However, cells of a lymphoid nature mature outside the bone marrow – in the organs of the immune system, which are some parts of the intestinal mucosa, thymus, tonsils, spleen, etc. lymph nodes.The number of cells of each type is formed in strict accordance with the needs of the body, for which there is a complex control. Therefore, changes in the blood test formula are of great diagnostic value. An experienced doctor, analyzing quantitative and qualitative shifts in the analysis of peripheral blood, is able to understand among which pathological conditions a diagnostic search should be carried out.

Highly qualified specialists work in our clinics, who will always find an approach to their little patients, help to make tests for a child without tears.

All analyzes are performed quickly, using modern equipment, reliably and comfortably for each patient.

Most types of blood tests are recommended to be taken on an empty stomach , which allows you to assess the result as accurately as possible. If it is not possible to completely exclude breakfast, the child can be given a small amount of light food (low-fat, non-nutritive). If additional preparation measures are required, the doctor will definitely tell you about this.

In our center, a complete clinical blood test is carried out (determination of hemoglobin, erythrocytes, leukocyte count, ESR and other parameters), determination of the Rh factor and blood group, blood coagulation system, biochemical blood test and others.

Urine tests are also recommended to be taken in the morning (with the exception of some types of tests that may require urine collection throughout the day). Before urine collection, hygienic treatment of the child’s external genital organs is carried out, and the analysis itself is collected in a clean small container.The analysis of urine takes into account the volume, density, specific gravity, color, the number of leukocytes, the presence of impurities. Based on the analysis of urine, the doctor draws a conclusion about the function of the child’s excretory system.

Stool analysis is most often recommended for the diagnosis of intestinal parasites, however, some types of analysis are used to determine the function of the digestive system (dysbiosis, etc.).

90,000 transcript of a biochemical blood test ”- Yandex.Kew

Biochemical blood test – one of the most popular among prescribed by doctors. With its help, the level of various enzymes and active substances in the blood plasma is determined, which directly or indirectly indicate a violation of the liver, kidneys, pancreas or general metabolism in the work .

Most often, this analysis is prescribed

1. During routine check-ups
   for the prevention and early diagnosis of hepatitis, atherosclerosis, diabetes and so on.
2. For the diagnosis of diseases of the liver, pancreas, kidneys and other organs of the liver, pancreas, kidneys and other organs in the presence of characteristic symptoms.
3. D For the diagnosis of complications or to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment against the background of chronic diseases – diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, overweight and other systemic diseases.

There are also more rare indications, but I will not dwell on them today.And today I want to analyze the indicators by which the function of the liver is assessed: ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and bilirubin .

The topic is complex – you need to evaluate the indicators in conjunction with each other and with the existing symptoms. Therefore, it did not work out briefly.

If after this article you still have questions – you can consult our

therapists

online and ask them any questions that concern you, after sending the results of your analyzes to the chat.

The main indicators of the liver

• ALT (or AlAt)
  – alanine aminotransferase;
• AST (or AsAt) – aspartate aminotransferase;
• ALP – alkaline phosphatase ;
• GGT (or gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase – GGTP) – gamma-glutamyltransferase;
• Bilirubin.

Why does a person need a liver

To begin with, the liver is one of the most incredible organs in our body. Thousands of reactions occur simultaneously in its cells – the neutralization of poisons and toxins, their removal from the body, storage in reserve and synthesis of nutrients and hormones.

In this regard, it contains many enzymes that are actively involved in all these processes.

The liver can be destroyed by viruses , alcohol and drugs , some drugs and toxic substances, cancer and other more rare diseases.

Therefore, during a diagnostic search, the doctor first of all tries to understand 2 things: is there any destruction of liver cells (viruses, toxic substances, and so on) or mechanical obstacles to the excretion of bile (stones, tumors, etc. ).

If there is destruction of cells , then various enzymes and substances that were inside will enter the blood in large quantities. It makes no sense to measure all of them, so we chose several of the most characteristic ones – ALT, AST and GGT.

If there is a mechanical obstacle to the excretion of bile , then under increasing pressure in the bile ducts, enzymes and substances from bile will begin to “leak” into the blood – indirect bilirubin, GGT and alkaline phosphatase.

And now about everything in order …

1.

AST
and ALT

These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of many substances. They are found in the cells of the liver, kidneys, skeletal muscles, heart and pancreas.

Massive destruction of any of these organs provokes their release and increase in the blood – hepatitis, myocardial infarction, massive trauma, and so on.

At the same time, ALT still prevails in the liver , and AST – in the myocardium . Therefore, in addition to assessing their quantitative values, they also look at the ratio AST / ALT – de Ritis coefficient . Normally, it is 1.33 ± 0.42 or 0.91-1.75.

2. Bilirubin

I’ll start from afar.

You probably know that blood contains red blood cells – erythrocytes. They contain hemoglobin , which delivers oxygen to the cells.

Erythrocytes live on average 3-3.5 months, and then die. The released hemoglobin is no longer needed, therefore, under the action of the enzyme, it decomposes into iron , amino acids and bilirubin .

Bilirubin is toxic and can destroy cells, so it must be urgently removed from the body. To do this, protein joins it and sends it to the liver. In the liver, the protein is cleaved off and glucuronic acid is attached to the molecule, making it non-toxic. This compound is sent to bile and excreted in the feces.

To determine in the blood bilirubin No. 1, , the laboratory needs to carry out a indirect chemical reaction , and to determine bilirubin No. 2 – direct .

Hence the name – direct and indirect bilirubin. Their sum will be the total bilirubin level.

If the liver cells are destroyed and it cannot perform its function, bilirubin is not neutralized and its first type rises in the blood (indirect) . This is typical for hepatitis – viral, toxic and so on, and cirrhosis – when there are practically no liver cells left.

If the liver normally performs its function, bilirubin # 1 is successfully converted into bilirubin # 2 and secreted into bile, but according to due to mechanical obstacles it cannot be excreted from the body – it is absorbed back into the blood. In this case, the level of direct bilirubin rises.

3. Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)

This enzyme is involved in the exchange of amino acids and protein synthesis.There are kidney cells (7000 times more than in blood serum), liver (500-700 times higher) and pancreas .

Increases , if tissue destruction of these organs occurs – with pancreatitis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, obstructive jaundice, cancer, after kidney transplantation.

4. Alkaline phosphatase

Another enzyme found in all tissues of the body.Its concentration is especially high in liver, bile ducts, kidneys, intestinal walls, bones and placenta .

Significantly increases mainly with bone diseases (bone metastases, sarcoma, etc.), liver (bile stasis, hepatitis), with inflammatory bowel diseases, pulmonary or kidney infarction, while taking certain medications.

Normally, high rates are observed during puberty and active growth.

Norms

Rates are usually indicated on the test result form and may vary from laboratory to laboratory.

How to interpret the results

Legend:

• ☑️—
  indicator is normal
  ;
• ⬆️ – slightly increased ;
• ⬆️⬆️ – significantly increased .

Option 1

• ALT ⬆️
• AST ⬆️
• Indirect bilirubin ☑️ or ⬆️
• SHF and GGT ☑️ or ⬆️

These are signs that liver cells are damaged by something (viruses, drugs, alcohol, toxic substances in enterprises, unhealthy diets, etc.).

What to do?

First, you need to understand that the liver recovers very well and most of the disorders are absolutely reversible.

1. First of all, the doctor may suggest that you
   to be tested for viral hepatitis
   and if all is well, he will start looking for other reasons.
2. If you are taking a lot of drugs, your doctor may suggest that you to cancel or change the drug or several.
3. If none of the options suits – it’s okay, you just need to monitor these indicators every few months and make sure that their level does not become critical.
4. If the indicators become critical, the doctor usually weighs all the pros and cons and may suggest you to pause in taking the drug or to change something in the treatment regimen . Everything is decided individually.
5. If the reason is alcohol or toxic substances – they need to be excluded completely, otherwise the process will progress and lead to cirrhosis, which, alas, is irreversible.
6. If the reason is in violation of the diet – you need to reconsider your lifestyle, adjust the diet and retake the analysis after a while .

What not to do?

Drink hepatoprotectors – their effect has not been proven and is comparable to placebo. It is important to remove the damaging factor, and not try to force the liver not to respond to it.

Option # 2

• ALT ⬆️⬆️
• AST ⬆️⬆️
• Indirect bilirubin ⬆️ or ⬆️⬆️
• SHF and GGT ☑️, ⬆️ or ⬆️⬆️

In this case, the tactics are approximately the same as in the first case: we exclude hepatitis, try to find the cause of cell destruction and get rid of it.Only the measures in this case should be more radical.

Option # 3

• ALT ⬆️
• AST ⬆️⬆️

Here, in addition to evaluating the values, it is important to look at the de Ritis coefficient – AST / ALT. Do you remember that Acat is more in the heart? Normally, it is 0.91-1.75.

If this indicator is more than 2 – this indicates heart damage, and we can confidently talk about myocardial infarction or other process associated with the destruction of cardiomyocytes.

If it is less than 1 , this indicates liver damage.

But heart problems are accompanied by vivid symptoms. Therefore, if nothing bothers you, these reasons are usually excluded.

Option # 4

• Direct bilirubin ⬆️
  or
  ⬆️⬆️;
• SHF ⬆️ or ⬆️⬆️;
• ALT ☑️ or ⬆️;
• AST ☑️ or ⬆️.

These are, as a rule, signs of a mechanical violation of the outflow of bile – blockage of the ducts with stones or neoplasms (polyps, oncology, and so on). In this case, additional diagnostic methods are connected to find the cause – MRI, ultrasound, and so on.

What to do?

In no case does it take lightly to such a state – go to the doctors, look for the cause and eliminate it.

What not to do?

Drink independently choleretic and other drugs “from the liver” without a doctor’s prescription – especially herbal ones.

Just imagine – there is a block in the biliary tract that interferes with the excretion of bile. What happens if you drive it and the block is not eliminated? I think you understand …

Option # 5

• SHF ⬆️ or ⬆️⬆️
• Bilirubin ☑️;
• ALT ☑️;
• AST ☑️.

Perhaps the reasons should be looked for outside the liver – diseases of the bones or intestines, oncology.

Normally increases during pregnancy and during active growth, after bone fractures. But it can rise in isolation and with stagnation of bile.

What to do?

Go to a gastroenterologist or therapist, undergo a full examination, look for the cause and eliminate it.

conclusions

The main thing I want to say is that in any analysis it is not necessary to evaluate individual indicators, but their totality, accompanying complaints and history of diseases.

It is often difficult for even an experienced doctor to understand the results and find the causes of violations. Often it is not possible to find them, and the violations disappear over time on their own.

Therefore, do not try to diagnose yourself on your own, and even more so drink any drugs on the advice of friends – it can be life-threatening.

Find a doctor you can trust and follow their recommendations. And most importantly, do not invent terrible diagnoses for yourself – they really do not happen so often and you will not understand them on your own.

If after reading this article you still have questions about the test results – you can consult our

therapists

online and ask any questions that concern you, having previously sent the results of your analyzes to a chat with a doctor. Consultations are paid, but health is worth it. For consultation, go to

link.

90,000 Have a blood test in the center of Moscow: test result in 1 hour!

A blood test is of paramount importance for the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of diseases.There are two types of blood tests – general clinical) and biochemical.

General clinical blood test

A general or clinical blood test is designed to detect anemia and inflammatory processes in the body.

For a general analysis, blood is taken from a vein, or from a finger (ring finger), usually on an empty stomach.

A blood sample is analyzed according to the following indicators:

• Hemoglobin is a complex protein that provides the transport function of the blood, delivering oxygen cells to every cell in the body.Normal blood hemoglobin values ​​range from 120 to 140 per liter for women and 130 to 160 for men. A deviation of the hemoglobin index from the norm may indicate an imbalance of minerals and vitamins in the body, diseases that disrupt blood cell division, heart failure, heart defects, etc.
• Erythrocytes are red blood cells. Including hemoglobin, they also carry out the transport function. Normal values ​​of erythrocytes: 3.8-5.1 – for women, 4.2-5.6 – for men.A change in the red blood cell count may indicate leukemia, erythremia, anemia.
• Platelets are colorless, non-nuclear spherical blood cells that perform regenerative functions of blood vessels (blood clotting). The indicator of platelets in the blood of a healthy person should be in the range from 150 to 350 units. Typically, a change in platelet count may indicate the presence of Wergolf’s disease, aplastic anemia, dengue fever, thrombocytosis, von Willebrand disease, etc.

Biochemical blood test

A biochemical blood test is aimed at determining the state of all internal organs and systems. Compared to the general analysis, it is highly accurate and helps to quickly track and correct the patient’s treatment. Biochemical analysis examines a large number of indicators:

• Glucose (blood sugar) – for the diagnosis of diabetes,
• Bilirubin and AsAT (AST) – for diagnosing the state of the liver and heart,
• Cholesterol – for the diagnosis of the digestive and vascular system,
• Triglyceride – to determine the state of lipid metabolism,
• Total protein – for the diagnosis of the condition of the liver and kidneys, and others.