|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Overview
Understanding the health of your liver is crucial, and liver function tests (LFTs) are the key. In Borivali, Mumbai and beyond, these tests are instrumental in assessing liver health. Whether you’re curious about your liver health or have been advised by a doctor, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about liver function tests.
Why it's done | Liver Test Kyu Karte Hai
Liver function tests are conducted to:
- Detect liver infections or diseases like hepatitis.
- Monitor the progression of a disease, such as liver cirrhosis.
- Assess the severity of a disease, helping to form a treatment plan.
- Monitor potential side effects of medications on the liver.
Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Levels that are higher or lower than usual can mean liver-related problems. The Liver Function Test is the first and most important test to diagnose LIver diseases. The pattern and degree of elevation of these tests along with the overall clinical findings can provide hints to the underlying cause of these problems.
Some Common Liver Function Tests Include:
Liver function tests (LFTs) are a series of blood tests used to assess the state of your liver and its performance. These tests are crucial in diagnosing liver diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of treatment. Some commonly included tests are:
Alanine Transaminase (ALT): This enzyme is vital in metabolizing proteins. Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver damage or inflammation.
Aspartate Transaminase (AST): Similar to ALT, AST is another enzyme found in the liver. High AST levels can signal liver damage but are also present in other organs and muscles.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated ALP can indicate liver damage or diseases affecting the bile ducts.
Albumin and Total Protein: These tests measure the levels of protein in your blood. Low albumin levels can suggest a problem with liver function.
Bilirubin: This substance is produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells and is processed by the liver. High levels of bilirubin can lead to jaundice, indicating liver or bile duct problems.
Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT): This test is used to detect liver and bile duct damage. The GGT levels increase in case of liver damage.
L-Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD): Elevated LD levels can be a sign of liver damage but may also increase due to other health conditions.
Prothrombin Time (PT): This test measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. Prolonged PT can indicate liver damage or a deficiency in blood clotting factors.
Common Myths & Facts:
Myth: Only heavy alcohol drinkers need liver function tests.
Fact: A variety of conditions, not just alcohol consumption, can affect liver health. Regular LFTs are beneficial for a broad spectrum of people.
Myth: A liver function test can diagnose all liver diseases.
Fact: While LFTs are crucial in assessing liver health, they are part of a broader diagnostic process and cannot diagnose every liver disease alone.
Myth: Elevated liver enzymes always indicate severe liver disease.
Fact: While raised levels can be a sign of liver distress, they don’t always signal a severe disease. Lifestyle factors and other conditions can also affect enzyme levels.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, fasting for 8-10 hours is typically recommended for accurate results.
While LFTs can indicate liver abnormalities, they are not definitive for cancer diagnosis.
The frequency depends on individual health conditions. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Side effects are rare and usually limited to discomfort or bruising at the blood draw site.
Liver Function Test (LFT) Results:
The results of liver function tests are measured against standard ranges to determine if your liver is functioning properly. It’s important to discuss the results with your Doctor who is expert in treating Liver related problems, as values outside the standard range may require further investigation.
ALT, AST, ALP, GGT: High levels can indicate liver damage or disease.
Albumin, Total Protein: Abnormal levels can suggest liver disease.
Bilirubin: High levels can cause jaundice, indicating liver or bile duct problems.
LD: Elevated levels can indicate various conditions, including liver disease.
PT: Prolonged clotting time can suggest liver disease or vitamin K deficiency.
Standard range blood test results for typical liver function tests include:
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.
Standard ranges can vary, and it’s important to discuss your results with your consulting doctor.
Free Home Blood Sample Collection in Borivali for LFT
Understanding your liver health is a vital aspect of overall well-being. With Dr. Vaidya’s Laboratory in Borivali, getting a liver function test is convenient, safe, and reliable. Remember, regular check-ups and early detection are key to maintaining good health.
