Liver Function Tests: Uses, Types, Results & More

The liver function test is one of the most overlooked yet the most vital checkups for your body. Your liver is one of the smallest organs that is situated under the back of your ribcage, yet it has multiple functions. Many sorts of liver tests are done to check the levels of the enzyme and blood produced by the liver. Additionally, some tests can check the amount of bilirubin in your liver.

An LFT test can assist in finding the symptoms and evaluate any sort of liver damage or disease. These tests are there to notice the amount of protein, enzymes, and wasted products that the liver creates.

When reported by a doctor, the test results will help the doctor to notice the status of your liver and its functionalities. However, before carrying out the tests, you need to know about a few crucial factors. 

Common Reasons Why Liver Tests Are Done

There can be many reasons why a liver function test can be done. While some may be serious, others are just a regulatory check to see their health. Some of the common reasons for liver tests are:

• Check for any kinds of liver infections, such as hepatitis.
• Monitor a disease. Sometimes, when there is alcoholic hepatitis, there are certain treatments to cure it. With a liver test, the doctors can see the progress of the diagnosis.
• Check the symptoms of critical diseases that are scarring to the liver, known as cirrhosis.
• Evaluate some side effects of medications.

Many types of liver tests check significant levels of protein and enzymes. Levels that are higher and lower can cause health difficulties. This is why liver tests are there under regular full-body checkups.

Signs And Symptoms Of A Liver Disorder

A bad liver can certainly be a big worry, and in some cases, it can be life-threatening as well. While liver test results can show the status of your liver, one should always take precautions when they notice the symptoms and signs of a liver disorder:

• You may feel a loss of energy and often experience fatigue.
• Some people feel weak throughout the day.
• There is a disease where your skin and eyes become yellowish known as Jaundice. It is one of the major symptoms of a liver disease or a liver disorder.
• You may notice some differences in your bodily discharges such as dark urine or light stool.
• You may feel nausea and vomiting when you have eaten a lot and you feel full, but such symptoms often can indicate liver disease.
• As per some reports, you may also feel abdominal pain.

While it is common knowledge that noticing these symptoms can be tricky throughout the day. However, if any of these occur frequently, you should consult with a doctor asap.

The Five Primary Liver Function Tests

There are different types of liver tests carried out for different purposes. Depending on the uses of liver tests, here are five of the main liver function tests to know about:

• Liver Enzymes Test

Multiple liver enzymes like AST, GGT, ALT, and ALP show a level of rise when there is a liver disease.

• A Total Protein Test

A total protein helps to check out the amounts of protein in your blood that are produced by your liver itself. Naturally, if your liver makes less amount of protein, then it will entail that there is a problem with your liver.

• Bilirubin Test

Bilirubin is a waste product of your liver. A bilirubin test is there to check the level of this wasted product in your liver.

• PT Test

This test measures how long it takes for your sample blood to clot. It is a process that involves the protein that your liver produces.

• LDH Test

LDH test is done to evaluate and monitor the amount of enzyme produced by your liver.

How Is A Liver Function Test Performed?

For liver function tests, the authorities or the doctor will need your blood first. The healthcare technician will wash your skin before the test. This process is there to ensure that there are no germs or microorganisms that can cause an infection.

After that, the doctor will wrap up a plastic strap around your hand. It will make your veins more visible. Then, the doctor will use a needle to take out the blood sample they need.

After the draw, the medical technician will assist you with gauze and bandage onto the puncture site, and the blood sample will go to the laboratory.

Wrapping Up

Whether you are having such symptoms of abnormal liver functioning or not, after a certain age, it is mandatory to add liver tests to your full body checkups. While it can be difficult if it is your first time with the test, you can always have your faith in the Dr Lal PathLabs’ liver test. Visit their website and book a test today or download the Dr. Lal PathLabs full body checkup app today for convenient lab test bookings and access to your reports anytime, anywhere.