LIVER FUNCTION TESTS

   Your liver is a huge and strong organ, as it performs literally hundreds of life-supportive functions within your body. Probably most importantly, the liver filters noxious chemicals from your blood. The liver is well-suited to this activity, but its role as a filter puts it squarely in the line of fire from the various toxins it filters through. Too many toxins can be more than it can cope with, at least in the short term, or even over the long term.

Chronic liver diseases refer to the conditions of your liver that are usually long-term and chronic. Common causes that lead to chronic liver diseases include viral infections, such as those from hepatitis viruses, toxic poisoning, and metabolic conditions. The liver has great potential for regeneration, but it's always overtime working out to regenerate itself. Over time, it can't keep up with the repair.

LIVER FUNCTION TESTS


  • Liver enzyme test - Your liver enzymes are alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase. These levels rise when there is a liver injury.

  • The total protein test - A total protein test detects the amount of protein in your blood. Your liver produces protein, and low protein levels may suggest that your liver is not functioning properly.

  • A bilirubin test - Bilirubin is a waste product that your liver excretes in bile.

  • LDH test - Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme found in numerous bodily tissues, including the liver.

  • Prothrombin time (PT) test - This test determines how long it takes for a blood sample to clot, which is a process involving proteins produced by the liver.



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