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  4. Liver Function Test (LFT): Comprehensive Guide to Liver Health

Liver Function Test (LFT): Comprehensive Guide to Liver Health

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Liver function tests (LFTs) are a series of blood tests that assess how well your liver is working by measuring levels of proteins, enzymes, and waste products. These tests evaluate various liver functions, including producing proteins like albumin, clearing waste like bilirubin, and enzyme activity (e.g., ALT, AST). Abnormal LFT results can indicate liver damage or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. Understanding these test results helps your doctor diagnose liver conditions and monitor ongoing liver health, making them essential in liver disease management.

  • What are Liver Function Tests (LFTs)?
    • LFTs are a group of blood tests that provide insight into liver health by evaluating enzyme levels, proteins, and waste products produced or processed by the liver.
  • Key Components of Liver Function Tests:
    • Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found in the liver, high levels indicate liver damage or inflammation, such as in hepatitis.
    • Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Another enzyme, often tested with ALT, elevated levels can indicate liver injury or diseases like cirrhosis.
    • Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated levels may point to bile duct blockages or bone disease.
    • Bilirubin: A waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, high bilirubin can cause jaundice and suggest liver dysfunction or bile duct problems.
    • Albumin: A protein made by the liver, low levels can indicate liver disease or kidney disease.
    • Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated in cases of alcoholic liver disease or bile duct blockages.
  • Interpreting Results:
    • High ALT/AST levels: Suggest acute liver injury, common in viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease.
    • High bilirubin: Indicates poor waste elimination, possibly from gallstones or liver failure.
    • Low albumin: May reflect chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues.
  • Why Are LFTs Important?
    • They help diagnose liver conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.
    • Regular LFT monitoring is crucial for patients on medications that affect the liver or those with existing liver diseases.

Recommended Tests

  1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is a key component of LFTs, specifically used to detect liver inflammation or injury. Elevated ALT levels are often one of the earliest indicators of liver damage.
  1. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): GGT levels can indicate bile duct problems or alcohol-induced liver disease, making it a useful addition to LFTs.

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