Cirrhosis? What Tests

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. As the scar tissue builds up, it impairs the liver’s ability to function properly. Cirrhosis is often the result of long-term alcohol abuse, but can also be caused by other factors, such as viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, and genetic disorders.

To diagnose cirrhosis your healthcare provider will recommend a variety of blood tests to evaluate your liver function and check for signs of scarring. These tests may include:

Liver function tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood that are produced by the liver. Elevated levels of these enzymes and proteins can indicate liver damage. Some common liver function tests include:

* Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

* Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

* Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

* Total bilirubin

* Albumin

Coagulation studies measure the ability of your blood to clot. Cirrhosis can interfere with the production of clotting factors, which can lead to bleeding problems. Some common coagulation studies include:

* Prothrombin time (PT)

* International normalized ratio (INR)

* Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Hepatitis B and C serology tests look for antibodies to the hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses. These viruses can cause liver damage and lead to cirrhosis.

Other blood tests may be recommended to evaluate your overall health and rule out other causes of liver disease. These tests may include:

* Complete blood count (CBC)

* Electrolytes

* Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)

* Creatinine

* Glucose

In addition to blood tests, your healthcare provider may also recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to evaluate the liver for signs of scarring and other damage.

Liver biopsy may also be necessary. This procedure involves taking a small sample of liver tissue for examination under a microscope. Liver biopsy can provide valuable information about the severity of cirrhosis and any underlying causes of liver damage.