When Should You Get a Liver Function Blood Test Done?

Liver is the most vital organ in the human body and maintaining it against damage is quite essential. A healthy liver can help the body to produce essential proteins and regulate cholesterol levels. Any damage to the liver can impact your overall health in the long term. To ensure your liver stays healthy, undergoing the liver function tests can help in long-term.

The liver function blood test evaluates the liver's health and function, which helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases like malaria, TB, and hepatitis. In this blog, we present you with the insight into why you should undergo the liver function blood test.

What is a Liver Function Test?

Liver function blood test is a series of blood tests assisting medical professionals in evaluating the health of the liver and its capacity to carry out essential tasks such as generating bile for digestion, metabolic activities, protein synthesis, and blood purification from waste and toxins. Some of the common tests are- Bilirubin, albumin and total protein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

With this test, the medical professional can detect any hidden issues that are further hampering your health condition. A skilled nurse or phlebotomist will take a tiny sample of blood from a vein in your arm as part of the straightforward LFT procedure.

When to undergo the Liver Function Blood Test?

Different hidden liver conditions may not show any symptoms. However, some symptoms should never be ignored. Some of the events when you need to undergo the LFT:

• Persistent fatigue or weakness

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

• Dark urine or pale stools

• Abdominal pain or swelling

• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite

Besides, there are high-risk groups who may also consider undergoing LFT.

Alcohol Consumption History

Regular monitoring is crucial because excessive alcohol use can eventually cause liver damage.

Autoimmune Diseases or Liver Disorders

LFTs may be necessary for those who have previously been diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis or liver diseases like hepatitis to track the course of their illness.

Individuals With a History of Liver Disease in Their Family

Regular examinations might identify early warning indicators if liver disease runs in your family.

Medication Use

Your liver may be strained by some over the counter or prescription medications. To evaluate possible liver damage, long-term users should think about doing LFTs regularly.

Different Types of Liver Function Tests

Under the liver function test, numerous tests assess inflammation, damage, injury, and liver function. These tests fall into two general categories: liver enzyme tests and function tests.

Different Function Tests:

• Serum Albumin Test: The serum albumin test quantifies the amounts of albumin, a blood protein. Abnormal liver function may be indicated by low albumin levels.

• Serum Bilirubin Test: This test measures the blood's bilirubin levels. The liver produces bilirubin, which is expelled in bile. Elevated bilirubin levels may be a sign of an obstruction in the bile flow or a problem with the liver's ability to handle bile.

• Serum Globulin Test: The serum globulin test measures globulin protein levels. High levels can be a sign of everything from cancer and autoimmune disorders to dehydration, infections, and inflammation, while low levels might be a sign of liver illness.

Different Live Enzyme Tests

• Blood levels of Alanine Transaminase (ALT) are measured. When acute liver cell damage occurs, the ALT enzyme, which is mostly present in the liver, is released into the blood.

• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): Determines blood AST levels. Elevated AST levels could be a sign of acute liver cell injury or other liver issues.

• Serum Alkaline Phosphatase Test (ALP): This test detects liver lesions or evaluates liver function by measuring the levels of the alkaline phosphatase enzyme.

How is Liver Function Test Interpreted?

The liver function blood test is conducted to examine abnormal levels of proteins and enzymes. The patient's general health and other considerations must be taken into consideration while interpreting the result. Because of this, it is essential to discuss the LFT results with one's physician so they can provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend additional tests if necessary, and develop a treatment strategy.

LFT Test Price

The LFT test price depends on the city, type of test, and package you are choosing. You can go for the package that covers the test and other aspects. You can check with the nearest lab to know the lft test price and the overall service offered.

Conclusion

Understanding when to undergo the live function blood test can significantly improve your general health. Timely testing enables early intervention and improved results, whether it is part of a regular examination, triggered by symptoms, or advised because of lifestyle or health-related issues.