Information about pathology tests to help

everyone take control of their health and

make the right decisions about their care.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR LIVER FUNCTION TESTS (LFTs)

This is a group of tests performed on the same blood sample. They give information about how your
liver is working. Your doctor may order Liver Function Tests as part of a routine health check, to help
make a diagnosis if you have symptoms that could mean you have liver damage, or to monitor your
health if you are taking medication or have an ongoing condition.
The liver is one of the most important organs in the body. It controls most chemical levels in the blood,
makes bile to help digest fats and carry away waste, filters harmful chemicals from the blood, helps
blood to clot, makes cholesterol, stores glucose, and much more.
Many diseases and infections, drugs or toxins can cause liver problems. The liver can become
inflamed, scarred, or the flow of bile can become blocked. It can be quite damaged before symptoms
appear.

An inflamed liver

What do Liver Function Tests measure?

Fe Liver Function Tests look for damage or disease by measuring the levels of several different substances in the
blood. These are either produced by liver cells as part of their normal function or released into the blood
when liver cells are damaged. Each substance gives different information. Looked at together, along with your
symptoms and medical history, they help build a picture of your liver’s health.
 What can you results tell you?

Your test results report will include some or all of these.

ALT ALT is the best test for detecting
(Alanine hepatitis. People with acute (sudden,
aminotransferase) severe) hepatitis often have very high
levels of ALT, while those with chronic
(long-lasting, low level) hepatitis have
moderately raised levels.
ALP ALP is found in liver and bone. When the
(Alkaline liver or bone is damaged, ALP is released
phosphatase) into the blood stream, meaning that
high levels of ALP indicate the liver, or What are reference intervals
a bone has been damaged. If some of
the other LFT substances are high, it can (reference ranges)?
be assumed that the high levels of ALP Some of your results are shown in your report as a
are coming from the liver, meaning it is comparison against a set of numbers called reference
damaged.
intervals or reference ranges. This is the range of test results
GGT GGT is found mainly in the liver and can considered ‘normal’ for the general population. If a result
(Gamma- be used to confirm results if you have in your report is outside this range it can be flagged as high
glutamyl high ALP levels. ALP and GGT are used (H) or low (L). This does not necessarily mean that anything
transferase) to work out whether a problem is related is wrong. It depends on your personal situation. Your results
to the liver and bile ducts or if it is due need to be interpreted by your doctor.
to bone disease. Both ALP and GGT are
higher when there is liver or bile duct
disease but only ALP is increased in bone
disease. GGT is often higher in heavy
What if you have abnormal
drinkers. results?
AST AST is found in the liver and a few other A great many conditions can affect the liver and
(Aspartate places, particularly the heart and other interpreting the many variations in test results is complex.
aminotransferase) muscles in the body. When liver, heart or Also, some of the substances being tested can be raised
muscles are damaged they release AST due to problems in other parts of the body. Sometimes
into the blood. levels can be higher than normal when there is no problem.
Bilirubin This is an orange pigment formed when Levels can be higher temporarily because of short-term
red blood cells break down as a natural liver damage from things like burns, infections, and muscle
part of the body’s ongoing renewal. damage or if you are taking medications, drugs, dietary
It is processed by the liver to be got supplements or herbs. It’s important to talk with your doctor
rid of. Raised levels show the liver isn’t about what the results mean for your personal situation.
functioning well.
Albumin This is the main protein made by the
liver and low levels may mean the liver Having more tests
is damaged or that albumin is being lost Sometimes, some tests need to be repeated to see if the
through damaged kidneys. results change over time. This can indicate whether your
Total protein This measures albumin, globulins and condition is getting better or worse and whether any
other proteins. Albumin is made by the treatment you are having is working. You may need further,
liver and a low albumin level can indicate different tests to see what’s causing your sympoms. This
problems. Globulins are part of your could be a blood test for an infection, an autoimmune test,
immune system and contain antibodies or a biopsy or scans to look for liver damage.
that help fight off infections.

For more detailed information on these and many other tests go to [Link]

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