Liver Function Tests
The liver function test
A liver function test assesses the overall
health and the anatomical integrity of the liver. A liver
function test is routinely called an "LFTs," and includes
measurements of various liver enzymes, bilirubin, albumin,
cholesterol and total protein.
Types of liver function tests
1) The first category of liver function tests
measures detoxification and excretory functions. The serum
bilirubin test is typical of this group.
Bilirubin is a substance in bile which is
produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin is
orange-colored. When bilirubin levels are above normal, a
condition called jaundice results.
Excess bilirubin often results from the
increased destruction of red blood cells, or hemolysis. A high
bilirubin level might also occur because the liver can't remove
bilirubin in a timely manner.
2) Another type of liver function test detects
damage to the liver structure by measuring liver enzyme levels
in the liver. Elevated liver enzymes tell your physician that
there is an obstruction to bile flow, or there's damage to the
liver cells.
3) A liver function test also includes tests
that are based on bio-synthetic functions. These type of liver
function test typically includes the serum globulin test and
the serum albumin test.
Three types of globulins (globulins contain
most of the antibodies of the blood) are measured by the serum
globulin test. They are known as alpha, beta and gamma.
The liver synthesizes the alpha and beta globulins, and the
cells of the immune system synthesize the gamma globulin.
When the liver isn't functioning properly, the
alpha and the beta globulins are decreased and the gamma
globulin levels are increased.
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Serum albumin is the main protein in blood plasma. A drop in
the normal serum albumin level could be a clue of chronic liver
disease. However, other conditions like kidney disorders and
malnutrition could also be the result of a decrease in serum
albumin.
4) The last category of the liver function test
includes ultrasonography and biopsy. Ultrasonography helps in
the diagnosis of obstructive jaundice. It is also used when
gall stone disease might be present. Ultrasonography is also
helpful in detecting lesions in the liver. It can furthermore
be used with a Doppler test to assess the condition of the
blood vessels.
A biopsy can also be helpful in determining
problems with liver function. A biopsy, of course, is done
through the skin in cases where the cause of liver disease is
undetermined. Biopsy can also be extremely helpful in
diagnosing enlarged liver, suspected cancers, and enlarged
spleen.
A liver function test can be useful in
evaluating a wide range of normal functions performed by the
liver. But a reliable diagnosis also depends on a complete
physical examination and a detailed medical history along with
the tests themselves.
An elevated liver function test should be taken seriously
An elevated liver function test usually
indicates that the liver is dealing with some kind of problem,
like fatty liver, cirrhosis, or hepatitis. Further testing and
diagnosis are in order.
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