Do you notice your skin or eyes turning yellow? It states a problem with your liver.
The liver is essential for detoxifying your body, aiding digestion, and processing nutrients. Any issue with it can affect your health.
This test helps doctors assess how well your liver is functioning. It detects early signs of liver diseases such as hepatitis, fatty liver, or cirrhosis.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of liver function tests and how they can help in diagnosing liver problems early.
Why Liver Function Tests Are Important?
The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It helps process nutrients from the food you eat, filters toxins, and aids in digestion by producing bile.
These vital processes disrupt the liver’s function. It leads to serious health complications. That’s why monitoring it through tests like the liver function test is crucial.
Early Detection of Liver Diseases
A liver function test can help detect liver diseases even before symptoms appear. Conditions like Fatty liver, Hepatitis, and Cirrhosis can go unnoticed until the advanced stages. By performing an LFT, doctors find these issues early. It gives you the best chance for effective treatment.
Key Components of an LFT
Some important components of LFT include-
Bilirubin Levels and Jaundice Detection
Bilirubin is a waste product produced when your body breaks down red blood cells. High levels of this substance can build up in your blood. This buildup can lead to jaundice, causing a yellowing of the skin and eyes. The bilirubin test reveals whether this is happening.
ALT (Alanine Aminotransaminase) & AST(Aspartate Aminotransferase) : Markers of Liver Injury
ALT and AST are liver enzymes that help break down proteins. Elevated levels of ALT and AST are often a sign of liver injury or inflammation. They are key markers in the liver enzymes test.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
ALP is another enzyme that can point to liver or bone problems. If levels are high, it may suggest issues like bile duct obstruction or liver disease.
Albumin and Total Protein Levels
Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. If your liver is not functioning properly, it may not produce enough albumin. This can affect many functions, and a decrease in albumin levels can be a sign of liver disease.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
GGT is an enzyme found in the liver and bile ducts. High levels of GGT often suggest liver disease, especially when combined with other abnormal LFT results.
What Abnormal Result Indicates?
The incorrect amount of these enzymes points to many diseases. Some include-
Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. It can lead to cirrhosis, early signs and may cause liver damage if not managed. Liver enzymes test results can show elevated levels of ALT and AST in this condition.
Hepatitis (Viral or Autoimmune)
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver, which can be viral or autoimmune. Blood test for hepatitis reveals the presence of the virus. An LFT can help check liver function during treatment.
Alcohol-Related Liver Damage
Chronic alcohol consumption can damage liver cells over time, leading to liver disease. Liver disease symptoms like fatigue, jaundice, and abdominal pain appear in advanced stages. LFTs can help detect early liver damage caused by alcohol.
Cirrhosis and Advanced Scarring
Cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver, often due to long-term liver damage. The liver function test detects early signs of cirrhosis before symptoms become more severe.
Bile Duct Obstruction
Blockages in the bile ducts can lead to bile buildup, causing liver damage. Abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and GGT can indicates this issue.
Why Self-Interpretation Can Be Misleading?
While it may be tempting to interpret LFT results yourself, doing so can be misleading. Increased liver enzymes or abnormal bilirubin levels don’t always mean severe liver damage. Only a healthcare professional can interpret these results in an accurate manner.Consult an expert at our diagnostic centre in Mukundapur to get a comprehensive liver function test
Keeping Your Liver Healthy
Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables. It helps in effectively keeping your liver function. Drinking plenty of water also helps with detoxification.
Limiting Alcohol and Avoiding Smoking
Alcohol and smoking can damage the liver. Limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can protect your liver from further harm.
Regular Exercise and Weight Management
Stay active and maintain a healthy weight. It reduces the risk of fatty liver disease and other liver conditions.
Vaccinations and Preventive Measures
Hepatitis A and B vaccines can protect your liver from viral infections. Talk to your doctor about whether these vaccines are right for you.
Book a Liver Function Test at our Trusted Medical Centre
Take charge of your liver health today. Schedule a Liver Function Test at our diagnostic centre in Mukundapur and ensure your liver is functioning properly.
Early detection of liver issues is crucial. Book your test now at LongLife Speciality Clinic and start prioritising your liver health.