Abnormal Liver Function Tests Indicate Disease
The Liver
The liver is situated in the right-side of the abdominal cavity, beneath the diaphragm
It is seen like a Cone structure.
Dark reddish-brown color, weighs around 3 pounds.
It is a metabolically active organ.
Hepatic artery that carries oxygenated blood.
Hepatic vein carries nutrient-rich blood.
The liver consists of 2 main lobes.
They are made up of 8 segments.
What does the liver do?
- Bile production and excretion
- Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates metabolized
- Activation of enzyme
- Glycogen, vitamins, and minerals are activated
- Plasma proteins are synthesized
- Detoxification and purification of blood
What are the liver function tests?
Liver function tests is also known as a liver panel, it measures different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. It indicates the overall health of your liver.
If levels of one or more are not within the normal limit is a indicative sign of liver disease
What are the uses of these tests?
- Liver diseases, such as hepatitis are diagnosed
- Monitoring & treatment of liver disease.
- Liver cirrhosis (damaged or scarred by disease)
- Certain medicines side effects are noted.
Symptoms of liver diseases
- Jaundice
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Light-colored stool
- Fatigue
What are the risk factors of diseases?
- Family history
- Alcohol usage
- Exposure to a hepatitis virus
- Medications that cause liver damage
Details Of The Tests
A group of blood tests can often indicate whether the liver is inflamed, injured, or functioning properly. It can also differentiate acute and chronic liver disorders
Commonly performed blood tests include the following:
Functional Tests
- Serum bilirubin test
- Serum albumin test
- International normalized ratio (INR), formally called prothrombin time (PT) test
- Total protein
Liver Enzymes
Serum alkaline phosphatase test
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test
Tests for liver enzymes
Serum bilirubin test: Bilirubin is produced by the liver and is excreted in the bile. Obstruction of bile flow indicates higher levels of bilirubin
Serum albumin test: Functioning of the liver is interrupted when level of albumin is lowered.
International normalized ratio (INR), formally called prothrombin time (PT) test.
This measures clotting time blood. vitamin K is a protein that is made by the liver which is also responsible for clotting of blood. Liver disease or other deficiencies factors are also determined with prolonged clotting time.
Serum alkaline phosphatase test: Alkaline phosphatase is found highest concentrations in the liver, biliary tract, and bone
Alanine transaminase (ALT) test: This is released into the bloodstream after acute liver cell damage.
“Is life worth living? It all depends on the liver.” –
William James
Read More
