Liver Function Blood Test- What All Does It Include?
by Lal Pathlabs Health/Medical/PharmaceuticalsLiver plays a vital role in performing a plethora of functions of our body. It is majorly responsible for the breakdown of food, purifying the blood, making various types of proteins and storing energy. A diseased liver can give rise to several types of symptoms such as yellow colouring of the skin, dark urine, swelling of the belly, etc. A person experiencing these symptoms should get an immediate liver function blood test to avoid further complications.
Liver function test involves SGPT test which is used to measure the amount of Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT) enzyme present in the blood. This is released into the bloodstream when the patient’s liver or heart is damaged. The blood SGPT level elevates with the damaged liver.
When to perform a Liver function test?
A Liver function blood test is performed if one is experiencing the following symptoms-
- Loss of appetite,
- Dark-colored urine or light-coloured stool,
- Swelling of the belly,
- Yellowish of the skin,
- Excessive weakness or feeling tired.
When is the test ordered?
The test is ordered if one is experiencing the above-mentioned signs and symptoms. Also if–
- he/ she is a heavy drinker,
- the patient has a family history of liver disease,
- the person is overweight and suffers from high blood pressure and diabetes,
- the patient is consuming some drugs that can harm the liver.
Liver function blood test cost is minimal and possesses no threat or risk.
What all Liver function blood test involves?
Liver function test involves a plethora of tests. Some of the common tests are –
- Alanine Transaminase Test (ALT).
- Bilirubin test.
- Albumin and total protein test.
- Alanine Phosphate test.
- Gamma-Glutamyltransferase test (GGT).
- Prothrombin Time Test (PTT).
- Aspartate Transaminase Test (AST).
Liver function test normal ranges are different for different types of liver tests. For instance, Alanine Transaminase Test (ALT), the normal value ranges between 7 to 55 units per liter. Aspartate Transaminase Test (AST), the normal value ranges between 8 to 48 Units per liter.
How to prepare for the test?
As because, some types of foods and medicines can affect the liver function test results, the doctor suggests not to eat, drink or take medicines for atleast 10-12 hours before performing the test.
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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.