Liver function tests evaluate the health of the liver, detecting damage, disease, and inflammation. The test measures bilirubin levels and protein production, and may be necessary if a patient has jaundice or other symptoms. Fasting may be required, and abnormal results may indicate liver issues.
The liver is essential for vitality. It helps remove toxins from the body and stores nutrients from food to be used for energy. A liver function test is a test that evaluates the general well-being of this very important organ. The test can detect damage, disease, inflammation, and show how well different treatment regimens may work. A patient with liver disease or significant liver damage may have a function test as part of a routine medical physical exam.
In most cases, a liver function test is made up of several tests to analyze how well the liver makes proteins and enzymes. Most tests will measure the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is formed when the liver breaks down red blood cells and is passed in the stool. A high level of bilirubin can indicate liver disease or damage. The liver test panel may also include a total protein assessment to examine how well the liver makes protein to fight infection and perform other important functions.
Doctors generally do a complete liver function test under certain conditions. For example, if a person has jaundice or yellowing of the eyes or skin, he may be instructed to get tested. Jaundice is commonly a symptom of liver disease. Other troubling symptoms may include abdominal bloating, upper right abdominal pain, and unusually dark urine. Individuals with a disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis may also be tested to monitor for disease.
Fasting may be required to prepare for a liver function test. You may need to give up eating, as eating certain foods can interfere with test results. Doctors will also need to know the medications the patient takes on a regular basis. Providing this information is imperative, as some medications can further interfere with test results.
You will need to take a blood sample for testing. Patients can go to a doctor’s office or directly to a hospital to submit the sample. The only discomfort typically experienced is the puncture from the needle. Although this discomfort is usually very minimal. After the test, most people are free to leave and carry on with their day as usual.
Liver function test results will be available after the testing laboratory has performed a thorough analysis of the blood sample. Abnormal results may indicate liver inflammation, damage, or the presence of disease. Individuals who have been taking medications for a long time due to liver disease may have above or below average results. Due to their situation, however, these results can still be considered normal for them. If treatment is needed following such a test, doctors usually advise the patient on what the next best step should be.
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