Liver Function tests are blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or harm. The tests measure the levels of specific proteins and enzymes in your blood. Some of these Tests measure how well the liver is doing its normal functions of generating protein and draining bilirubin, a blood waste product. Other liver function tests measure enzymes which liver cells discharge in response to disease or damage. Abnormal Liver function test results do not necessarily indicate liver disease. Your physician will explain your results and what they imply.
Liver function tests can be used to:
- Display for liver ailments, such as hepatitis
- Monitor the development of a disease, such as alcoholic or viral hepatitis, and determine how well a treatment is working
- Gauge the severity of a disorder, particularly scarring of the liver cirrhosis
- Monitor potential side effects of drugs
Best lft test price in delhi assess the levels of Certain proteins and enzymes in your blood. Levels that are lower or higher than normal may indicate liver issues. Some common liver function tests include.
- Alanine transaminase ALT. ALT is an enzyme found in the liver which helps convert proteins into energy to the liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the blood and amounts increase.
- Aspartate transaminase AST. AST is an enzyme which helps metabolize amino acids. Like ALT, AST is normally present in blood at low levels. An increase in AST levels may indicate liver damage, muscle or disease damage.
- Alkaline phosphatase ALP. ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease, like a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases.
- Albumin and total protein. Albumin is one of many proteins made from the liver. Your body needs these proteins to fight infections and to carry out other functions. Lower-than-normal levels of albumin and total protein may indicate liver damage or disease.
- Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in faces. Elevated levels of bilirubin jaundice may indicate liver damage or disease or certain kinds of anaemia.
- Gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT. GGT is an enzyme in the blood. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage.
- L-lactate dehydrogenase LD. LD is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage but may be raised in a number of other disorders.
- Prothrombin time PT. PT is the time it takes your blood to clot. Greater PT can indicate liver damage but may also be elevated if you are taking certain blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin.