Things to Know About Liver Function Test

The liver plays an important role in breaking down and stocking nutrients, fighting infections, producing bile acids for food digestion, sustaining hormone balances, detoxifying the blood, regulating blood sugar levels and aiding the blood to clot. An LFT test is prescribed by the doctor to check various aspects in an individual's body that include bilirubin, liver enzymes, and proteins. The test results are used by doctors to check the overall health of a person's liver. Irregular outcomes can be the sign of liver illness, even if an individual does not feel any symptoms. Liver function test mainly evaluates the following compounds.

Aspartate transaminase (AST)

AST is an enzyme, available in the liver and muscles that metabolize amino acids. An increased level of aspartate transaminase may be a symptom of liver disease or damage.

Alanine transaminase (ALT)

This enzyme is found in kidneys and liver cells. Alanine transaminase aids make energy for liver cells. When these cells are damaged, they release ALT into the bloodstream, increasing the ALT levels in the blood.

Bilirubin

It is a waste material that is created in case the liver starts breaks down red blood cells. Bilirubin releases as bile in stool. The increased level of bilirubin can be the reason for jaundice in a person. Jaundice is a health condition in which the whites of eyes and skin become yellow, often a sign of liver damage.

Alkaline phosphate (ALP)

ALP is an enzyme found in the blood. ALP helps in several important body functions that include metabolizing fat in the intestines, boosting bone growth and supplying nutrients to the liver.

Albumin

It is a specific protein produced by the liver. The liver releases this compound into the bloodstream, helping the body to send vitamins, enzymes, and hormones all over the body as well as combat infections. Liver disease or damage can reduce albumin levels.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)

GGT is an enzyme, mainly found in the liver, however, it is also available in spleen, kidneys, gallbladder, and pancreas. An increased level of GGT in the blood may be the symptom of alcohol-related liver damage. Also, higher GGT levels can boost the threats of growing certain kinds of cancer.

Prothrombin time (PT)

It assesses the time taken by the blood to clot. Extended prothrombin time may be a sign of specific blood clotting issues and disorders relevant to liver damage.

Reasons why people should get LFT test done?

People must go for the liver test in case they are feeling the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Light-colored stool
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dark-colored urine
• Diarrhea
• Jaundice

Also, people who have some certain risk aspects need to go through the LFT test. They may be at increased risks of liver damage or diseases in the following conditions:

• Certain medications cause liver problems
• In case they have a family history of liver disease
• If they are exposed to a hepatitis virus
• In case they have alcohol use disorder, it is a specific condition in which people find it difficult to control how much they drink.

It is very important for people to go through regular liver function tests no matter whether they have any signs and symptoms or not.

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Aishakapoor Joined: November 1st, 2019