Why do I need a liver function test?

Introduction

A liver function test is a very much-needed medical diagnosis process in this era of a multitude of alcoholics. So, understanding the significance of liver function tests is vital in maintaining overall health. These tests, which assess liver health through various markers, help detect diseases early and guide appropriate treatment. Exploring the normal ranges for these markers enhances understanding and empowers individuals to monitor their liver health effectively.

What Is A Liver Function Test?

The liver function test is a simple blood test that helps assess the health of your liver by measuring a certain amount of enzymes, proteins and substances present in blood. By doing this test it is easier to get valuable information on how well your liver is functioning and find damages or diseases that disrupt the functioning of your liver. If you are treated for any liver-related problems, a liver function test can help in assessing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Liver Function Test For Alcoholics

Everyone knows that excessive consumption of alcohol causes damage to the liver over time. A Liver function test can find the amount of liver damage and monitor liver diseases for alcoholics. If you or your family members are alcoholics, it is better to undergo a liver function test to detect problems related to the liver at an early stage.  Along with it, counselling and support are needed to reduce the intake of alcohol.

What Is Measured In A Liver Function Test?

A liver function test measures various markers in the blood to assess the health and function of the liver. Key components include enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT), bilirubin, albumin, and total protein, providing insights into liver function and detecting abnormalities.

Alanine transaminase (ALT)

ALT, an enzyme in the liver, aids in protein-to-energy conversion for liver cells. Liver damage prompts ALT release into the bloodstream, causing elevated levels. High ALT indicates liver damage from hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver diseases. Monitoring ALT levels aids in diagnosing and managing liver conditions effectively.

Aspartate transaminase (AST)

Aspartate transaminase (AST) is an enzyme found in liver cells and other organs that helps sin break down of amino acids. Elevated AST levels in a liver function test indicate potential liver damage or disease, as AST is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured or inflamed. This test is sometimes referred to as SGOT.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Elevated ALP levels in a liver function test may indicate liver or bone disorders, bile duct obstruction, or conditions affecting bone metabolism.

Total bilirubin

Total bilirubin is a measure of a waste product produced by the liver when it breaks down old red blood cells. Elevated levels in a liver function test may indicate liver disease or obstruction of bile flow. At times, conditions such as a blockage of the liver ducts or certain types of anaemia also can lead to elevated bilirubin.

Albumin

Albumin, synthesized in the liver, plays a crucial role in immune function and various bodily processes. Reduced levels, observed in liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or kidney issues, signify potential health concerns. Additionally, low albumin levels may be linked to gastrointestinal and kidney-related disorders. Monitoring albumin levels aids in identifying underlying conditions and guiding appropriate medical interventions for optimal health management.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), present in the liver, bile ducts, and tissues, can indicate liver disease, bile duct blockage, or excessive alcohol intake when levels are high in a liver function test. However, it’s non-specific and may rise in conditions beyond liver issues, warranting comprehensive evaluation for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.

Why Do I Need A Liver Function Test?

A liver function test is included with a common blood test as part of your routine checkup to look for diseases and disorders in your body, including your liver. Sometimes, you have symptoms of liver damage or diseases like

• Nausea and vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
• Abdominal swelling or pain
• Edema in ankles and legs
• Dark urine and light-coloured stool
• Itching

Even if you don’t have these symptoms, you may better get tested, because the risks may be high if you have,

• Family history of liver disease
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD)
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Medications with potential liver damage
• Hepatitis exposure or infection-induced liver swelling.

What Can A Liver Function Test Diagnose?

With the blood tests of liver function test, it is possible to diagnose specific liver diseases, helping healthcare providers to treat liver-related diseases in the right way. You might undergo further tests like a liver biopsy to specify the type of disease or virus that has affected your liver. Here are some possible diagnoses that you can get out of a liver function test.

• Hepatitis (viral or autoimmune)
• Cirrhosis
• Fatty liver disease
• Liver cancer
• Bile duct obstruction
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Wilson’s disease
• Hemochromatosis
• Liver infections

What Happens During A Liver Function Test?

Since the liver function test is just collecting blood samples from you, you need to get prepared for the small tingling sensation. Here is what happens during a liver function test,

• A healthcare provider draws blood, usually from a vein in your arm.
• The blood sample is analyzed for various markers, including enzymes, proteins, and substances indicative of liver health.
• Results are interpreted to assess liver function and detect any abnormalities or signs of liver damage or disease.
• Based on the test results, healthcare professionals can diagnose liver conditions and determine appropriate treatment or further evaluation if necessary.

What Is The Normal Range For Liver Function Tests?

Liver function tests measure various markers to assess liver health. Understanding the normal ranges for these tests is important for interpreting results accurately. In this article, we’ll explore the typical values for liver function markers, helping you better understand your liver health. For your liver function test to be normal, here are the standard ranges. 

• ALT. 7 to 55 units per litre (U/L).
• AST. 8 to 48 U/L.
• ALP. 40 to 129 U/L.
• Albumin. 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
• Total protein. 6.3 to 7.9 g/dL.
• Bilirubin. 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
• GGT. 8 to 61 U/L.
• LD. 122 to 222 U/L.
• PT. 9.4 to 12.5 seconds.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the normal ranges for liver function markers is crucial for interpreting test results accurately. Regular monitoring of liver function aids in the early detection of liver diseases, facilitating timely intervention and optimal management of liver health. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can safeguard their liver health and overall well-being.