Liver Disease and Function Test

Your liver play a crucial role in maintaining overall body function. Hence, it is of importance that you take the time to undergo liver function test to ensure that it is healthy and fully functional. Moreover, it will help prevent the acquisition of liver disease that could greatly affect your quality of life.

Specific Tests for Liver Function

The most basic test for liver function involves taking a blood sample from the patient using a syringe with fine needle. Then, the general practitioner or nurse takes the blood sample from the patient to a laboratory for further testing. There are several sections to a general liver disease and function test and each of these components play a crucial role in the final diagnosis.

The results of the test are submitted through values and numbers for the doctor to analyze and evaluate. There is a “normal value” and “preference value” to which the results are referred to before it is determined that you are within the normal range.

Below are some of the sections to the liver function test and an explanation as to what role each of them plays.

Alkaline Phosphatase or ALP

This is a type of enzyme that is often found in your liver's bile ducts. When the results indicate a rise in your ALP level alongside another type of enzyme known as Gamma GT, there might be an obstruction in your liver system that could put you at risk of developing a liver disease. As a result of this blockage, it could prevent bile from transporting from your liver. The presence of GGT is also an indicator that your liver disease is caused by alcohol consumption.

Albumin

Here is another essential component evaluated by doctors during liver function test. It is a type of protein that is responsible for carrying several other essential substances throughout the body and maintain stability for all fluid pressures. When an individual suffers from chronic liver disease, the albumin levels in the body also drops. Hence, doctors are looking for signs of reduced Albumin levels in patients tested for liver disease.

Bilirubin

This is a yellow/green substance that is produced by your liver, which acts as the main pigment in your bile and formed in your hemoglobin. An increase in your body's bilirubin is directly associated with the acquisition of jaundice, which is a common symptom of liver disease or failure. Hence, you will notice that a person's skin and eyes turn yellow.

ALT and AST Levels

This two essential components reveal the degree of inflammation that is suffered in your liver organ system. Some of the enzymes found in your liver cells could leak out into your blood stream causing the former to become damaged. If you are trying to evaluate damage on the liver, it is best to focus more on the ALT value over the AST. However, the latter could also indicate the extent of damage to your liver.

Clotting Studies

The final yet equally important component to the test for liver disease is the clotting ability or prothrombine time for your blood sample. In the case of a liver disease, this process is prolonged due to the inability of your liver to aid in the process of clotting due to damage. Hence, individuals with liver disease are more prone to bruising as compared to those who do not have liver problems.

Liver Disease and Failure 101

Your liver plays a very important role in your internal organ system. Hence, it is important to ensure that it remains functional and is working efficiently. But what happens when one suffers from liver failure?

Liver Disease Symptoms and Diagnosis

Liver disease has its own distinct set of symptoms that enable you to identify whether you have any problems in the said organ system. But it is important to seek the advise of a health professional for proper diagnosis instead of relying on your self-diagnosis.

Natural Cure For Liver Disease

Despite the advancement in modern medicine, herbal or alternative forms of medicine still remain to be the top choice of treatment for most people. The same also goes for anyone suffering from liver disease since there are several options available for natural cure.

Impact of Alcohol on Liver Disease

However, there is one key factor that highly contribute to formation of liver disease that many people neglect and abuse – alcohol. To learn more about the dangers of alcohol on your liver, read further below...

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