Liver Function Tests for Kids: A Must-Read Guide for Parents

As a parent, ensuring your child’s health is a top priority, but understanding their medical needs can often feel overwhelming, right?

One crucial aspect of your child’s health is liver function tests (LFTs), essential diagnostic tools for monitoring the liver’s condition. These tests provide valuable insights into your child's overall well-being.

But what exactly are liver function tests?

Liver function tests, also known as liver chemistries, evaluate liver health by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in the blood. 

These tests are typically used to diagnose conditions like hepatitis, monitor the side effects of medications, and assess the severity of liver disease. Liver function tests in Vadodara are commonly conducted to detect these issues and ensure your child’s liver functions properly.

What are the Different Types of LFTs for Children?

Now that you understand liver function tests, let's explore the various types of liver tests in Vadodara and globally available for children. 

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is typically an enzyme found in the liver and bones. In children, an ALP liver test measures its level to assess liver function. 

Elevated ALP can indicate liver disease, bile duct blockages, or bone disorders. It helps diagnose conditions like cholestasis or liver inflammation. 

Total Serum Protein and Albumin

The serum protein and albumin tests are important for assessing liver function in children. These tests measure the level of protein the liver produces, with total serum protein evaluating overall protein content and albumin measuring a key protein that maintains blood volume and nutrient transport. 

Low levels may signal liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues, helping doctors monitor your child’s health and detect potential problems early. 

Bilirubin

Another test is bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. In liver function tests for children done in a diagnostic centre in India, abnormal bilirubin levels can signal liver issues or blood disorders. 

Elevated bilirubin can also cause jaundice, turning the skin and eyes yellow. These bilirubin tests help diagnose conditions like hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or anemia. 

Monitoring bilirubin is essential for early detection and treatment of liver-related problems, ensuring proper care for your child. 

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

AST and ALT are liver enzymes that help assess liver health in children. Elevated levels of AST and ALT could indicate liver inflammation or disease.

AST is found in the liver, muscles, and kidneys, while ALT is mainly found in the liver, with higher levels often pointing to liver issues like hepatitis or fatty liver disease. Regular testing of AST and ALT helps detect potential liver problems early for timely treatment.

Ultimately, these liver function tests are essential to determine whether your child's liver is healthy. To have these tests conducted, you’ll need to visit a nearby diagnostic centre in India.