Liver function tests (LFTs) are crucial blood tests that help assess the health of your liver by measuring the levels of proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin in your blood.
Given the liver’s vital roles—from processing nutrients from food to eliminating toxins from the body—keeping tabs on its health is essential.
This article will unpack what liver function tests are, their uses, and how to interpret the results, all in straightforward language.
Liver function tests are typically ordered to check for liver damage or disease, monitor the progression of a known liver condition, evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, and measure the severity of liver diseases such as hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Despite their name, LFTs do not measure the functionality of the liver directly but rather give clues about possible damage or disease.
The tests measure various components in the blood, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, total protein, and bilirubin.
Elevated levels of ALT and AST can indicate liver damage, as these enzymes are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are injured. ALP can be high in liver disease but also in bone disorders.
Albumin and total protein levels can shed light on the liver’s ability to perform its essential functions, while bilirubin is a waste product produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, which the liver processes. High bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Understanding the results of liver function tests can be complex because there’s no single “normal” range for these tests. Normal values can vary depending on the laboratory and the individual.
Generally, higher or lower than normal levels of these substances might indicate the presence of liver disease or damage.
However, it’s essential to note that LFTs alone do not confirm a specific diagnosis but rather prompt further investigation.
For example, mild elevations in ALT and AST might be temporary and not indicative of severe liver disease.
In contrast, significantly high levels, especially if they persist, might suggest liver damage from conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver disease.
High levels of ALP can suggest bile duct obstructions or certain bone diseases. Low albumin levels might indicate chronic liver disease, while high bilirubin levels are often a sign of liver dysfunction or excessive breakdown of red blood cells.
It’s also crucial to consider that various factors can influence LFT results, including medications, alcohol intake, diet, and even vigorous exercise.
Therefore, interpreting these tests requires a comprehensive approach, considering the individual’s medical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic tests.
When liver function test results are abnormal, doctors may order additional tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the liver issue.
These might include imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan, more specific liver function tests, or a liver biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for closer examination.
In summary, liver function tests are a vital tool in detecting and monitoring liver diseases. While the interpretation of these tests can be complex, they provide essential insights into the health of one of the body’s most crucial organs.
Abnormal results often lead to further investigation, helping healthcare providers develop an effective treatment plan. Understanding the basics of LFTs and their implications can empower individuals to take proactive steps in managing their liver health.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about a diet that can treat fatty liver disease and obesity, and coffee drinkers may halve their risk of liver cancer.
For more information about liver health, please see recent studies that anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease, and results showing vitamin D could help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Copyright © 2024 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
