Blood Test for Liver Function
- Dec 27, 2022
- 4 min read
Defining a blood test for liver function
There are enzymes in the liver that keep the organ healthy. A test that examines the levels of these substances is known as a blood test for liver function. The outcome of this test will help you to be aware of the present health condition of your liver and if you need to change your lifestyle. Again, this test will identify any underlying liver problem.
Today's post will discuss the essence of a liver function test while underlining the function of the liver, symptoms and causes of liver damage, how a liver function test is done and many more.
What are the functions of the liver?
The liver is the biggest organ inside the body and performs a critical function of keeping you healthy and in the best performance. About 500 functions are carried out by the liver, some of which are:
Regulation of blood components and hormones
Production of bile for the disintegration of fat inside the small intestine
Storage of the all-important minerals and vitamins
Enzymes activation
Blood purification via the removal of alcohol, drugs and chemicals from the body.
You can book a consultation with a private GP London to learn more about what the liver does in the body.
How is the test done?
Our nurse will draw a sample of your blood and have it tested at the laboratory to measure the levels of the several proteins, toxins and enzymes your liver manufactures or which determines how healthy or unhealthy your liver is.
What body substances are analysed in the test?
All those proteins, enzymes and other substances produced in the liver and moved into the blood are measured in a liver function blood test. This evaluation can pinpoint possible health concerns. The following enzymes and proteins are majorly assessed during this test:
Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): If this substance is high, it means there's a condition called cholestasis. This problem is characterised by the failure of the small intestine to get the liver-produced bile, so the disintegration of fats is stalled. Bone fractures and taking new drugs can increase your ALP levels
Alanine transaminase (ALT): Where this is found, it is clear that liver damage is present. The use of drugs like amoxicillin and oral contraceptives, which are common, can raise the level of ALT.
Aspartate transaminase (AST): Increased levels of this substance can be identified alongside ALT. Both can cause cell destruction - cytolysis. This can signal damage to the liver as in the case of cirrhosis (liver scarring) and hepatitis C. People with blood groups O and B are likely to experience a rise in these two enzymes of the liver.
Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): When the bile duct that links the liver to the intestine is blocked, it can raise GGT levels. Other issues that can arise from this blockage include gallstones, bile duct infection and accumulation of liver bile. Cholestasis can be indicated by higher amounts of ALP and GGT. Alcohol and the use of drugs can make GGT levels higher. Analysing GGT can sort out whether a person's increased ALP levels are caused by liver or bone problems.
Albumin: This protein keeps vitamins, hormones and enzymes moving in the body. Albumin has an affinity for water and keeps fluids in the bloodstream. When this protein level is reduced, it's a sign of diseased liver or an inflammation - issues with the liver.
Bilirubin: The body's metabolism that disintegrates red blood cells leads to the production of bilirubin. More of this substance in the blood indicates failure of the liver to remove them. And this may be a symptom of Gilbert's syndrome - a mild health issue most people don't know they have until after a test. Levels of bilirubin do often increase and cause diseases as a result of: 1. Haemolysis - where red blood cells are terminated and haemoglobin converts to bilirubin. 2. Pancreatitis and litiasis - where the biliary ducts are blocked, and bilirubin cannot be removed.
What information does a liver function test provide?
From the results of a blood test for liver function, you'll know if you have the chance of developing the condition, if your liver is already harmed, or if you have other problems related to an unhealthy liver. This test outcome can help the doctor advise if you need to make certain changes in your way of life. For example, you may need to stop or take fewer alcoholic drinks or switch the kind of foods you eat.
Liver damage symptoms
A damaged liver will not present symptoms immediately. But whenever symptoms show up, just know that there's a problem with your liver. These symptoms are:
Tiredness and fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Jaundice (skin and eye colour changes to yellow)
No libido (sexual urge)
Itching on the skin
What causes liver damage?
Taking excessive alcohol will lead to alcohol-related liver disease. When excess fat is stored in the liver, especially in people that are obese, it causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A virus can trigger hepatitis and liver inflammation. The use of medications, alcohol and drugs can also trigger hepatitis.
When there is excess iron in the liver, the condition is known as haemochromatosis. This condition is genetic. The bile ducts can get blocked following a condition called primary biliary cholangitis. Consequently, bile accumulates, scars and damages the liver.
Are you having any of these symptoms? You can get a liver blood test at our London GP Clinic. Our specialist will have your liver examined so you can know your overall health status. For more information and to schedule a test, reach out to our team.
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