The liver is responsible for removing toxins from the blood and producing bile to help the body break down food. So, to maintain overall health, the liver has to function optimally. To check liver function, doctors may recommend a few tests that help them detect problems. The tests measure the substances produced by the liver, such as proteins, enzymes, and bilirubin. Inadequate or excessive production of these substances could be a sign of impairment.
Purpose
The ultimate purpose of liver function tests is to ensure that the organ is working as it should. Doctors usually recommend these tests for the following reasons:
- To detect liver diseases or infections
- To monitor the efficacy of a prescribed treatment plan
- Look for side effects of treatment options
- To assess the severity of a disease
Types of tests
Depending on the type, tests assess different aspects of an organ. Here are a few types of liver function tests doctors usually recommend:
Liver enzymes test: One may have elevated production of liver enzymes if the organ sustains any injury. This type of test checks the level of essential enzymes like alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl (GGT).
Prothrombin time (PT) test: This test is required to measure the duration within which blood clots. The clotting process involves proteins produced by the liver.
Total protein test: The test checks if the blood has normal levels of albumin and globulin. If the results indicate that the protein levels are high, the liver could have inflammation or infection.
Bilirubin test: The yellow pigment in the blood is known as bilirubin. The test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood, and if the level is higher than normal, it can mean the liver is not working properly or there is a blockage in the bile ducts.
LDH test: A lactate dehydrogenase test can check the level of LDH in the blood or any other bodily fluid. High LDH levels indicate tissue damage, which could be triggered by injury, infection, or health conditions.
Procedure
Liver function tests involve drawing blood and testing the sample. Here is a step-by-step procedure one can expect:
Applying antiseptic solution: A healthcare professional or technician will start by cleaning the insertion site with antiseptic liquid. This is done to prevent microorganisms on the skin from contaminating the blood sample and interfering with the test results.
Placing tourniquet band: The professional will place an elastic band around the arm and tighten it with a buckle to make the veins more visible, making it easier to draw blood.
Final steps: After the blood is drawn, the technician will place gauze and a bandage over the insertion site to stop the bleeding. The blood will be sent to the lab for assessment.
A liver function test is the easiest way to check the condition of the organ and look for liver-related diseases. If one notices any symptoms of a liver condition, they must consult a doctor to get an early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
