Liver Check

The Liver Check is a group of blood tests that assess liver function and help detect liver disease or damage. It evaluates how well the liver is working and identifies possible liver inflammation, injury, or other disorders.

Common Components of a Liver Check:

1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
   • An enzyme found mainly in the liver.
   • Elevated levels usually indicate liver cell damage or inflammation.
2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
   • An enzyme present in liver, heart, muscle, and other tissues.
   • Increased AST can indicate liver damage but is less specific than ALT.
3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
   • Enzyme found in liver, bones, and bile ducts.
   • High levels may suggest bile duct obstruction or liver disease.
4. Bilirubin (Total and Direct/Conjugated)
   • Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells.
   • Elevated levels cause jaundice and indicate liver dysfunction or bile flow problems.
5. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
   • An enzyme elevated in liver disease, especially with bile duct issues or alcohol-related liver damage.
6. Albumin
   • A protein made by the liver.
   • Low levels can suggest chronic liver disease or poor liver function.

Purpose of Liver Check:

• Detect liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or bile duct obstruction.
• Monitor progression or response to treatment in known liver conditions.
• Evaluate symptoms like jaundice, abdominal pain, or abnormal liver imaging.
• Assess liver function before surgery or starting potentially liver-toxic medications.

How the Test is Done:

• Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in the arm.
• Lab analyses the blood for enzyme levels, bilirubin, and proteins related to liver function.