The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body. It performs many vital functions, including detoxifying the blood, processing nutrients, producing bile, and regulating the body's metabolism.
A blood test known as a liver function test (LFT), sometimes known as a hepatic function panel, evaluates the number of enzymes and proteins your liver excretes. While some of these tests assess how well the liver carries out its routine tasks, others assess the enzymes that liver cells release when they are harmed or ill.
LFTs or liver profile test aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver illness or injury. A person's liver is not operating at its best if the levels are either higher or lower than the normal range.
When Are LFTs Done?
LFTs are usually ordered by a doctor if a patient is experiencing symptoms that suggest liver disease or damage. The liver damage symptoms may include:
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine
- Pale stool
- Liver swelling
LFTs may also be ordered if a patient has a history of liver disease, heavy alcohol consumption, or if they are taking medications that can cause liver damage. LFTs may also be ordered as part of a routine health check-up, especially if the patient has risk factors for liver disease.
How to Properly Prepare For LFTs?
To ensure accurate test results, it is important to properly prepare for LFTs. This includes:
Fasting: LFTs require fasting for at least 8 hours before the test. This means that the patient should not eat or drink anything except water for at least 8 hours before the test.
Medications: The patient should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. Some medications can affect LFT results, so the doctor may advise the patient to stop taking certain medications before the test.
Alcohol: The patient should avoid consuming alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test, as alcohol can affect LFT results.
Physical activity: The patient should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least 24 hours before the test, as it can affect LFT results.
What Are the Different Types of LFTs?
There are several different types of LFTs that can be performed, each of which measures different aspects of liver function. These include:
Alanine transaminase (ALT): ALT is an enzyme found in the liver that is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Elevated levels of ALT can indicate liver damage.
Aspartate transaminase (AST): AST is an enzyme found in many tissues of the body, including the liver. Elevated levels of AST can indicate liver damage, but can also be elevated in other conditions, such as heart disease or muscle damage.
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bones. Elevated levels of ALP can indicate liver damage.
Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver damage or disease.
Albumin: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Low levels of albumin can indicate liver damage or disease.
Prothrombin time (PT): PT measures how long it takes for blood to clot. The liver produces many of the proteins involved in blood clotting, so elevated PT levels can indicate liver damage.
Also Read: A Guide To Keep Your Liver Healthy
How Is A Test For Liver Function Performed?
In a hospital or diagnostic facility, your blood will be taken.
Before the test, a nurse or a member of the paramedical staff will clean your skin at the injection site to reduce the risk of infection from any bacteria on the skin.
Your arm is wrapped in an elastic band that will assist show off your veins. Then, blood samples are taken from your arm using a needle.
After drawing blood, a bandage and some gauze are applied to the puncture wound. The blood sample is then delivered to a lab for analysis.
What Do LFT Results Mean?
LFT results can provide important information about the health and function of the liver. Abnormal results can indicate liver damage or disease, but they do not always mean that there is a serious problem. Further testing may be needed to determine the cause of abnormal LFT results.
Elevated levels of ALT and AST are the most common abnormal LFT results.
If an LFT is abnormal, the doctor will look into any potential underlying causes, make a diagnosis, and suggest an appropriate, individualized treatment strategy.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
