liver-health

How to Check Liver Health by Dr. Sushrut Singh

Liver function can be checked and tracked through testing. Online retailers sell at-home liver testing, and customers can talk to their physician about the results.

What is a liver test?

A liver test also called a liver panel or hepatic function panel is a blood test used to assess the liver’s health and function. This test is performed by a healthcare professional in an office by drawing blood from the arm of the patient.

A liver test can check for and help monitor liver disease. The test can also be used to diagnose other liver-related conditions.

Blood must be drawn for home tests, frequently via a finger prick. Different markers may be examined during some of these examinations to check the health of the liver and other organs. For instance, some companies provide a lipid or cholesterol test that can track the health of the liver and the heart.

For a specific period of time prior to the liver test, a person may need to fast and refrain from taking any drugs. If someone needs to abstain from food, medication, or both before taking the test, a medical expert or home test will advise.

People who take an at-home test might also need to talk to their doctor about the results.

  1. Liver Enzyme tests:

Liver enzyme tests can screen for the following enzymes:

  1. Alanine transaminase (ALT): Acute liver cell injury can be detected by high levels of this enzyme.
  2. Aspartate transaminase: Increased levels of this enzyme may indicate recent liver cell injury.
  3. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): A damaged liver or bile duct can be indicated by high levels of this enzyme.
  4. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT): High levels of this enzyme could be a sign of bile duct or liver injury.

2. Liver protein tests

These tests screen for the following proteins:

  1. Globulin: Low levels of globulin, a protein that aids the immune system, can signify liver damage and other disorders affecting the liver.
  2. Albumin: An albumin test evaluates the liver’s capacity to produce protein. Low levels of this protein may indicate liver disease and other disorders affecting the liver.
  3. Prothrombin: Prothrombin is a protein that helps blood clot, and high amounts of it can signify liver injury.

3. Testing for bilirubin

Red blood cells in the body degrade, producing a fluid called bilirubin. Bilirubin can enter the bloodstream in cases of liver injury and result in jaundice. The presence of bilirubin outside the liver can also make urine seem extremely black.

Even while not all of these biomarkers may be detected by home tests, they may nevertheless offer useful information regarding probable liver injury, disease, or other disorders.

Signs of liver disease

The liver is a fascinating organ that occasionally has the ability to cure itself without medical intervention. A liver problem, however, might be extremely dangerous or even fatal.

The following signs of liver disease may be present in patients:

  • fatigue, energy loss, or weakness
  • weight loss due to jaundice, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
  • diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain
  • either light stools or urine

It’s crucial to identify liver conditions early, so if you’re exhibiting these symptoms, you should look into them more. If you are facing any of these symptoms, consult a liver specialist today. Find the best hepatologist in Ghaziabad and make sure your liver is healthy.

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