Testing Liver Function

A healthy liver is an essential part of the human body; we can't live without it. That's why a liver function test (LFT) can play such an important role in evaluating your health. Your liver is constantly working, detoxifying what we eat, creating proteins and aiding digestion. Unfortunately, several things can go wrong; the liver can develop cirrhosis, hepatitis, obstruction, and other conditions. To ensure that the liver is working properly, your physician may perform one of several liver function tests.

Indications for Testing

• Your physician may recommend an LFT if you present with certain symptoms. Nausea, jaundice, dark urine and alcoholism are all associated with liver disease. If you have any of these conditions, an LFT may be ordered to diagnose potential liver malfunction.

Liver Function Test

• A liver function test consists of several tests performed on a single blood sample. This range of tests can determine any problems in liver function.

  The lab technician checks the levels of three enzymes: ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), and AST (aspartate aminotransferase). High levels of these enzymes indicate liver damage, especially acute hepatitis.

  The sample is also tested for bilirubin. Increased bilirubin levels often present as jaundice and may indicate a blockage in a pathway of the liver.

  Albumin is a major protein that is created by the liver. If levels of this protein are too low in the blood sample, the liver is likely damaged and poorly functioning.

Follow-up

• If your tests are irregular, talk to your doctor about appropriate treatment for your specific condition. Further testing may still be necessary to narrow down the cause of the liver function test.