Know Your Liver Function Test Type: Narrow Down the Disease Today

Liver function tests, also known as the LFTs in short form, are spread over a wide range of liver related ailments. For example, the fatty liver disease alone has long lists of tests that only address to one liver related issue. Though, there are tons of other tests for different liver regions, we compiled a descriptive list of the most common ones for you.

It is to ensure that you are well aware of the said test category, in case you bump into one. Plus, a little bit of knowledge always helps in diagnosing the disease in a quick manner. A major proportion of LFTs constitutes tests for bilirubin, which is a breakdown by-product of the human blood. Other tests are related to ammonia, which is a protein byproduct that evolves from the kidneys and transitions into uric enzymes.

What is the purpose of Liver Function Tests?

The answer, though being simple, is still hard to describe in a mere 500 word article. Hence, I’d cut to the chase and say that the LFTs are a great way of determining the cause of any specific liver ailment. A sound test report cultures good and precise results.

Do I need to beware of any precautions?

As usual, the answer is yes. You can never be too careful around liver ailments these days. For example, Bilirubin is known to increase through the usage of any one of these components:

• Anabolic steroids
• Excessive use of antibiotics
• Antimalarial
• Ascorbic Acid
• Diabinese
• Codeine
• Diuretics
• Epinephrine
• Oral contraceptives
• Vitamin A

Likewise the default amount of ammonia in the body is naturally kept to a balanced proportion. Packing in a little extra cigarette, going for too many of those beer cans, or narcotic antics increases the amount of ammonia significantly. Which is why, you have to be careful about the intake of solids and liquids alike. The Liver Function Tests further range over a wide variety of chemicals found inside the liver. I only mentioned Ammonia and Bilirubin, there are others as well.

Are there any special prep up requirements for the FSTs?

Preparations of liver tests vary from one doctor or another. For instance, a Hepatologist will check you for Hepatitis signs, instead of exposing you to CAT and CT level scans. The only common thing between these test is the religious follow up to the fasting routine. It means that the said patient is not allowed to eat or drink anything, 10 to 12 hours before liver function tests.

Pre Test Care Stage:

• Tests are followed by a mild care session. Patients with prior liver disease history are usually prepared for a liver biopsy, which is not a risky thing. However, some patients have a tendency to develop blood clots in or around the puncture site, that’s why they need to be monitored after the tests.

Risk Factor Involved:
• Risks pertaining to all sorts of LFTs are not highly contagious or severe in nature. In some cases, there are fair chances for bleeding at the puncture site. Patients are kept under observation for signs of dizziness, fainting or any unusual Hematoma cases.