Liver function tests: Assess liver enzyme levels and other factors

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Vu Huy Binh - Department of Medical Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.

Liver function test is the collective name for a number of specific tests performed to evaluate the functioning of the liver. Liver function tests are an indispensable factor in the diagnosis and monitoring of liver diseases.

There are quite a few different tests to evaluate liver function, and the same test can have different names. Common liver function tests include:
Test for alanine transaminase - ALT (also known as serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase - SGPT): Alanine transaminase is an enzyme involved in the breakdown of protein chains. , and alanine transaminase is found mainly in the liver. High levels of alanine transaminase in the blood suggest that liver damage has occurred. Aspartate transaminase - AST (also known as serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase - SGOT) test: Aspartate transaminase is another enzyme found in the liver, and high levels of aspartate transaminase in the blood are also a sign of disease or disease. suggestive of liver damage.

Alkaline phosphatase test - ALP (alkaline phosphatase test): Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme present in the liver, bile ducts and bones, so alkaline phosphatase levels will increase when liver damage or disease is present. liver disease, biliary obstruction or bone disease. Test of albumin and total protein levels: The liver produces two main proteins, albumin and globulin (albumin is only produced in the liver, globulin is also produced in organs other than the liver). Low levels of these proteins in the blood mean that there is a problem with the liver. Bilirubin level test: Bilirubin is released when red blood cells are destroyed, and normally the process of processing bilirubin is done by the liver. If the liver is damaged, bilirubin is not processed properly and causes jaundice (jaundice). Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) test: High levels of gamma glutamyl transferase in the blood may indicate liver or bile duct damage.

Test for lactate dehydrogenase - LD: Lactate dehydrogenase (an enzyme) levels are elevated when liver damage occurs, but other medical conditions can also cause elevated levels of this enzyme. Prothrombin time test - PT: This is a test to determine the time it takes for blood to clot. If the prothrombin time is prolonged, this is a sign of liver damage, because the liver is the organ that produces clotting factors. The use of anticoagulants, such as warfarin (Coumadin) may increase prothrombin time.

Tests to evaluate liver function should be performed to check the condition of the liver, detect disease as well as to determine the extent of the disease, to monitor the results of treatment. Common signs and symptoms suggestive of liver disease include:
Dark urine. Pale stools. Feeling of loss of appetite. Stomach distended. Change your mood. Feeling sick and tired. Jaundice (yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the sclera of the eyes). However, liver disease usually does not present any symptoms. In addition, liver function tests are also done for people at high risk of liver disease, such as:

People who drink a lot, people who abuse alcohol. Have a family history of liver disease. Being overweight or obese, especially when diabetes or high blood pressure is present. Are being treated with drugs that can affect the liver.

Before performing the liver function test, the person being tested needs to fully inform the doctor about the medicines he is taking, including products without a prescription.

All liver function tests listed above are blood tests, and they may be done once or more than once, depending on the doctor's orders based on the specific clinical situation. .

Test results will be normal if the values ​​of the results are within the normal range. If the test results are abnormal, depending on the physical examination and the specific situation, the doctor may order one or more laboratory tests and techniques to clarify the ongoing abnormalities. The doctor will explain in detail so that the patient understands his condition.
Liver function tests have an important role, helping doctors to assess the health of the patient's liver, thereby giving the best treatment results.

Currently, Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital is implementing a hepatobiliary screening package that includes all tests to evaluate liver function, bringing peace of mind and accurate results to customers. . When there are signs of liver disorders or a history of hepatobiliary disease or even if there are no symptoms, proactive liver function tests are necessary to protect your health.

Article reference source: webmd.com, mayoclinic.org