Importance of Liver Function Test (LFT)

Liver function tests (LFT) play an important role in the diagnosis of the any liver pathology. The most common liver pathology includes hepatitis, which may be pre hepatic, intrahepatic  and post hepatic in origin. The most common complaints include jaundice, coagulation abnormalities, hemolysis, colicky or radiating pain in the upper right quadrant. The parameters examined are total bilirubin, direct and indirect bilirubin, liver enzymes which include SGOT, SGPT, ALP and GGT. The total proteins, albumin and globulin levels determination play vital role to rule out the nephrotic syndrome patients.

Indications -

• Hepatitis (viral, autoimmune, drug induced )
• Cirrhosis (alcoholic, nodular, chronic hepatitis)
• Hepatocellular carcinoma, liver abscess, gall stones.
• Hepatic cust, choledochal cyst.

Sample -

• Serum sample obtained from centrifuged patient sample.
• Sodium fluoride anticoagulant vaccutainer used.

Importance -

• Determination of the unconjugated bilirubin helps to rule out hemolytic jaundice.
• Elevation of the conjugated bilirubin levels are mainly seen in the intrinsic hepatic failure. The common causes include hepatitis, liver abscess, enzyme defects, alcoholic liver cirrhosis and HCC. 
• Elevation of both SGOT or Aspartate Transaminase and SGPT or Alanine Transaminase indicates enzyme defects. Elevation of ALP and GGT (gamma glutamyl Transaminase) is seen mostly in post hepatic obstruction like gall stones, biliary strictures. 

Method -

• Fully automated method with regular internal quality controlsliver of various levels for various parameters.
• For External quality the samples are received from various other referral centres.

Conclusion -

Also read,

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF CONDUCTING A LIVER FUNCTION TEST (LFT)?

HOW TO KNOW YOUR LIVER IS HEALTHY?

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