The liver is a very important organ in the human body, and liver function tests are carried out to monitor if your liver is healthy. These tests help establish if there is are any liver disorders affecting your system, and to spot, assess and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests are a collection of blood tests that help measure the presence of particular proteins and enzymes in the blood. Tests like albumin and bilirubin measure liver function.
Liver function tests help you monitor the overall health of the liver and could give you an indication of certain diseases like bone disease or bone malnutrition. Liver disorders to watch out for include acute liver failure, autoimmune associated disease, Budd-Chiari syndrome, cirrhosis, genetic conditions, hepatitis, infections, liver cancer, and obstruction of the bile ducts.
Most liver function tests are usually performed with a simple blood test that requires your blood sample. Once the required amount of blood has been drawn, it will be sent to the laboratory for tests to be conducted. Here are a few of the important liver function tests that you might be asked to undergo to monitor liver function. Liver function is usually tested using the parameters of Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) and Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) levels. These are enzymes of the liver and their presence in the blood stream indicates that the walls of the liver have been compromised and that these enzymes are leaking into the bloodstream.
Although there is no specific preparation when going in for a liver function test, studies have shown that the test tends to be more accurate in the event that the patient chooses to fast for a period of about 12 hours before the test. It is also important for the patient to inform the presiding doctor about any medication that may be being taken as there is always the chance that the chemical makeup of certain medications is likely to play havoc with the readings of the blood test.
The normal SGOT levels in an adult ranges from 0 to 30 units per liter, although it helps to know that conditions like hepatitis C can sometimes also reflect normal SGOT levels – meaning that accurate diagnosis may require some additional tests also being carried out. The SGPT levels are usually imbalanced in the case of infections and the normal range of the enzyme in adults is considered to exist around the mark of between 8 and 20 units. Other readings in the liver function test include alkaline phosphate – which is usually an important part of the diagnosis when dealing with a tumor or some kind of abnormal structural growth. The normal range of this constituent of the test results is between 20 and 140 – where lower counts are seen in individuals that are deficient of proteins and malnourished. LDH is a lactic acid component of the test results and is normally within the range of about 45 to 90. Abnormal readings are indicative of the presence of malnourishment, hypoglycemia and adrenal insufficiency. Different diseases of the liver will affect the liver differently and cause a range of differences in the test results. Although they are always helpful in a number of diagnosis as well as in the monitoring of certain conditions, it is important to remember that it is not unusual for the readings to be a little inaccurate at times.
Bilirubin test: This particular liver function test is also known as the jaundice test. It is performed to find out how well albumin (a protein) is being produced, while checking how well bilirubin, a waste product in the blood, is being flushed out.
Blood test: A blood count test could be conducted wherein the test takes certain blood components and features into account. Any abnormality could indicate liver disease or irregular breakdown of blood cells.
GGT level test: Also known as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), this enzyme is predominantly found in the liver and is highly sensitive to any change in the way the liver functions. Higher levels of this enzyme in the system could be an indication of bile duct or liver damage.
Serum glucose test: This is a test that is conducted once the liver disease has advanced; it is done to check the liver’s ability to produce glucose. This function is usually the last to fail when liver failure sets in. If this fails, it is probably time for a liver transplant.
SGPT test: Serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) is also known as alanine transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme present in liver cells. The test is used to detect any injury to the liver and is considered as one of the most important liver tests. This test is more specific than the SGOT level test.
SGOT level test: Serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGPT) or aspirate transaminase (AST) is another enzyme found in the liver cells. The SGOT test is usually ordered along with the SGPT test. SGOT test not only helps in management and detection of liver diseases but also works for cardiac problems.
Keeping the liver healthy is a matter of aiding the liver in toxin removal, exercising adequately, and additional supplements of food that can aid liver function. The first is to avoid alcohol. The metabolism of alcohol is so complex and draining on the liver that after a certain point it can actually cause damage and death of the liver tissue. If alcohol must be taken then it must be taken in extreme moderation and in diluted amounts. Exercise is important from the perspective of maintaining a good cardiovascular system and keeping the liver nourished with oxygen and nutrients.