The Importance of Liver Function Tests and Regular Check-Ups

The liver is one of the most essential organs in the body and plays a critical role in maintaining overall health. It produces bile to aid digestion, eliminates toxins from the body, and controls metabolism. However, liver disease can be caused by various factors such as a poor diet, heavy alcohol use, viral infections, and hereditary problems.

To maintain good liver health and detect any liver damage or disease early on, regular checkups and liver function tests are crucial. Liver enzymes, albumin, and bilirubin are some of the chemicals in the blood that can be measured by these tests. Liver function tests can help detect liver illness or damage before symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and better outcomes.

Interpreting the results of a liver function test can be challenging, so it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional. Abnormal liver function test results may indicate liver illness or injury, but they can also be caused by other factors such as drug use or infections. Therefore, it's vital to discuss the findings with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

When is a liver function test used?

To evaluate a person's liver's general health, doctors use liver function tests. If the test findings are abnormal, it may be a sign of liver illness or injury, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis. It's crucial to remember that several variables, including prescription drugs, lifestyle decisions, and underlying medical disorders, can potentially affect the outcomes of liver function tests.

Doctors may choose to utilise imaging tests like a CT scan or ultrasound, liver biopsies, blood counts, viral infection tests, cholesterol and triglyceride tests, genetic studies, or autoimmune tests to evaluate aberrant test results. The underlying reason for a person's liver impairment will determine the kind of treatment they receive. For more serious cases of liver injury, surgery or a liver transplant may be required to treat consequences including portal hypertension.

Let's check out a few important tests below

The liver and kidney cells contain the enzyme alanine transaminase (ALT). For liver cells, ALT aids in generating energy. ALT is released into the bloodstream by damaged liver cells, which can increase blood ALT levels.

The liver and muscles contain the enzyme aspartate transaminase (AST), which aids in the metabolism of amino acids. Elevated AST values, like elevated ALT levels, may indicate liver illness or injury.

The enzyme alkaline phosphate (ALP) is found in the blood. ALP helps in a variety of essential body processes, including supplying the liver with nutrition, encouraging the bone formation, and metabolising fat in the intestines.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a liver-specific enzyme that is also found in the pancreas, kidneys, gallbladder, and spleen. GGT levels that are higher than usual in the blood may be a sign of liver damage brought on by alcohol. Moreover, elevated GGT levels can raise your chance of getting several types of cancer. Reliable Source.

The waste substance bilirubin is created when the liver degrades red blood cells. Bile in the faeces is how bilirubin leaves the body. Jaundice, a disorder in which the skin and whites of the eyes appear yellow, is caused by high amounts of bilirubin and may be a sign of liver impairment.

Albumin is a protein made by the liver. To assist the body in fighting infections and transporting vitamins, hormones, and enzymes, the liver releases the protein albumin into the bloodstream. Liver damage may cause abnormally low albumin levels.

The duration of the blood clotting process is measured by the prothrombin time (PT). One or more blood clotting disorders linked to liver damage may manifest as a prolonged PT.

What to Know About Follow-Up Care After Liver Function Testing

Although the findings of these tests might not specifically identify the ailment you have or the extent of liver damage, they might help your doctor decide what to do next. The outcomes will be communicated during a subsequent consultation with your doctor. If your liver function test results indicate a problem with the effectiveness of your liver, your doctor will usually review your medication list and medical history to help determine the cause.

Why Choose the best Liver Care services?

Depending on the underlying cause and severity of the disease, there are many treatment options available if liver disease is identified through liver function tests or other diagnostic procedures. Surgery, medication, and lifestyle changes are all possible forms of treatment.

In general, routine examinations and testing for liver function are essential for maintaining great liver health and identifying early liver disease or injury. Global Hospitals is one of the most prestigious and well-known hospitals which is renowned for its successful medical history. 

Trust our Liver Transplant Department in Mumbai for the highest quality of medical services. They have some of the best liver transplant doctors who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of liver failure. They take immediate action and give you the best care and treatment depending on the individual diagnosis. Which ultimately makes them one of the best hospitals for the treatment of liver conditions in the city. 

Conclusion 

Taking care of your liver health should be a top priority. By making positive lifestyle choices such as maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, you can protect your liver from potential harm. Additionally, regular liver function tests can help detect any underlying issues and allow for prompt medical intervention.

Most importantly, your health is your most valuable asset, so don't hesitate to seek medical advice if you have any concerns about your liver health. Global Hospitals is a renowned hospital with a successful history of providing exceptional medical care. You can trust their liver transplant department to take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and provide the best possible treatment. Take the first step towards a healthy liver and visit Global Hospitals for expert care and guidance.