Liver Function Tests Provide a Great Amount
of Information

 

Liver function tests are performed to evaluate the levels of various liver enzymes and proteins, and how the liver is functioning in general. The liver filters the blood that is circulated through the body, and many chemicals are processed in the liver, including alcohol, over the counter medicines, and prescription drugs. Over time the function of the liver may be decreased due to the effects of these substances or from various disease states, which is why a health care provider may order a panel of liver function tests. These results can then be used to diagnose a specific disease state, and liver function tests can be performed periodically to determine if chosen treatment regimen is effective, and to monitor the progression of various disease states.

Included in a standard panel of liver function tests are levels of various enzymes and proteins that are produced in the liver. A serum albumin level can determine if the body is absorbing proteins efficiently; ALP or alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that can be abnormally high in a number of conditions; a high level of ALT or alanine transaminase can indicate liver damage like hepatitis or cirrhosis; AST or aspartate aminotransferase levels are used to diagnose and monitor liver disease; GGT or gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase can differentiate diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and kidneys from bone disease; PT or prothrombin time can indicate the presence of a bleeding disorder; serum bilirubin levels determine if jaundice is present; and urine bilirubin is checked by obtaining a 24-hour sample which is used to detect liver or gallbladder problems.

Liver functions tests can provide health care providers with a great amount of information regarding how the liver, kidneys, and bile ducts are working and if other disease states are present. Patients may not always present with symptoms first. If certain liver damaging medications have been prescribed, or the patient has abused alcohol, a diligent and conscientious health care provider will order liver functions tests so that enzymes and proteins can be monitored and additional tests can be ordered at the first sign of any deviation from normal.

Liver function tests are a simple blood draw that can be performed in the physician’s office or at an outpatient laboratory. These tests are considered routine also, and are covered by most if not all health insurance plans. Ask you physician for further information on liver function tests and if there is any indication that you might need one.

It's never easy to write an uncomplicated piece when it comes to medical issues, so just to finish on, I've included a quick summary on the liver and its role in the body, which may help you to understand why we need it to function normally.

Your liver is situated in the upper right part of the abdomen. It is a major and therefore vital organ, and its functions include: storing glycogen (this is our fuel for the body). This glycogen is made from sugars. The liver also helps to process both fats and proteins from digested food and makes proteins that are essential for blood to clot. It also helps to process the many medicines which folks may take for various conditions. And finally, your liver helps to remove poisons and toxins from the body keeping you in tip top shape.