Q. What is the liver function test?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
Your liver is like a superhero in your body, working hard to keep things running smoothly. But sometimes, it needs a check-up to make sure everything is okay. That's where liver function tests (LFTs) come in.
Think of LFTs as a set of blood tests that help doctors see how well your liver is doing its job. They check for various things like enzymes, proteins, and other substances that can give clues about your liver health.
When you hear "liver test" or "liver function test," it could mean a bunch of different tests, like ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, and albumin. Each of these tests looks at different aspects of your liver function.
ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) are enzymes that your liver releases when it's damaged or inflamed. ALP (alkaline phosphatase) is another enzyme that can signal liver or bone problems.
Bilirubin is a yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. High levels of bilirubin can mean your liver isn't clearing it out properly, which could indicate liver disease.
Albumin is a protein made by your liver, and low levels might suggest liver damage or disease.
Now, why would you need these tests? Well, if you have symptoms like jaundice (yellowing of the skin), fatigue, nausea, or abdominal pain, your doctor might order LFTs to see if your liver is involved.
Also, if you have risk factors for liver problems, like heavy alcohol use, viral hepatitis, obesity, or certain medications, your doctor might want to keep an eye on your liver function.
Remember, LFTs aren't a diagnosis on their own. They're more like a piece of the puzzle that helps your doctor figure out what's going on with your liver. If your results are abnormal, your doctor might order more tests or recommend treatments to help your liver get back to its superhero self!
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