Liver function tests

Liver function tests (LFTs or LFT) are groups of blood tests that give information about the state of a patient's liver.

Overview

Most liver diseases cause only mild symptoms initially, but it is vital that these diseases are detected early. Hepatitis, Alcoholic liver disease, and Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease are among the diseases that LFTs can help to detect.

Tests

Liver function tests are blood tests that can provide information about how the liver is working. They test the levels of a number of proteins and enzymes that are either produced by liver cells or released into the blood when liver cells are damaged.

Proteins

Albumin and Globulin are two proteins that the liver produces. The levels of these proteins in the blood can be tested, and are usually within a certain range. If the levels are outside this range, it could suggest a problem with the liver or other parts of the body.

Enzymes

There are several enzymes that the liver releases into the blood when it is damaged. These include Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).

Interpretation

The interpretation of these tests requires knowledge of the patient's history and other medical information. The results can indicate different types of liver disease, such as Hepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Liver cancer, or other diseases such as Bone disease or Gallbladder disease.

See also

• Bilirubin
• Liver biopsy
• Liver disease
• Liver function

References

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