Liver examination – types and characteristics

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There are many methods of diagnosing liver diseases in modern medicine. Laboratory tests of blood and urine, palpation, ultrasound and computed tomography will allow you to assess the condition of the liver. Check which liver tests should be performed prophylactically and which in order to diagnose pain.

Liver examination – types

Liver examination can be carried out on several levels. The simplest liver test is prophylactic blood and urine tests, which should be performed regularly every six months. More in-depth examinations of the liver include liver biopsy, computed tomography, ultrasound, scintigraphy, and arteriography. By carrying out regular preventive blood and urine tests, we have a greater chance of detecting hepatitis B and C, as well as other liver diseases that may develop asymptomatically for several years. More detailed liver diagnostic tests are usually carried out when pain concerns us.

Liver examination – medical history and physical examination of the liver

The basic diagnostic examination of liver diseases is medical history and physical examination. At the outset, the doctor conducts an interview with the patient in order to determine the pain in the liver, their duration and intensity. The doctor then performs a palpation test which involves pressing and moving your hand along the right side of your abdomen. At this stage, the doctor is able to identify any abnormalities in the structure of the liver and any deviations from the norm in its size and thickness.

Liver test – blood count

The following blood tests can be performed to determine the condition of the liver:

  1. liver tests – these are liver function tests that allow you to determine the activity of enzymes in cells and the concentration of substances produced by the liver: in particular AST, GOT, total protein, total bilirubin, ASPAT, ALAT, GPT, ALP, GGTP, LHD, Che). Liver tests detect e.g. diseases such as cirrhosis, jaundice, hepatitis, biliary obstruction and alcohol-related liver injury (GGPT).
  2. HBs antigen – a test that diagnoses hepatitis B (hepatitis B),
  3. HCV antibodies – test for hepatitis C infection.

Check what medications are used to treat cirrhosis of the liver

Liver tests – urine test

A urine test measures the color and density of urine, the presence of bilirubin, and the presence of red blood cells in the urine. Dark urine indicates liver diseases associated with bile dysfunction. Bilirubin and its metabolites in the urine, in turn, warn of cirrhosis, liver cancer and viral hepatitis. Urine density fluctuates in advanced stages of liver disease, and hematuria is a common symptom of bleeding disorders.

Liver examination – ultrasound of the liver

During an ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity, the size, structure of the liver and various changes on its surface are assessed. The ultrasound image shows tumors, cysts and any other abnormalities in the structure and appearance of the liver. The doctor will use this test to assess whether the liver is enlarged, whether its flesh is uniform and undamaged, whether it is fatty, whether the bile ducts are open, or whether there is ascites.

Liver examination – computed tomography of the liver

Computed tomography is a thorough examination, therefore it allows to diagnose a number of liver diseases. Due to the fact that the CT scan gives a three-dimensional image, it is more accurate than ultrasound. A CT scan of the liver detects serious liver changes such as:

  1. tumor,
  2. cirrhosis,
  3. fatty liver disease.

Liver test – liver scintigraphy

Liver scintigraphy in. liver isotope test is a test that helps to determine the exact structure of the liver, blood supply, metabolic capacity and any tissue defects and inflammations. The patient is administered intravenously with a contrast agent – a radioactive isotope, which enters the liver with the blood and shows liver damage, inflammation, tumors and neoplasms on the scintigraphy screen.

Liver test – arteriography of the liver

Liver arteriography is a test that is based on a radiological method and the administration of a contrast agent. It gives an accurate picture of the structure of the liver vasculature.

Structure of the liver – liver laparoscopy

Laparoscopic examination is the most accurate examination of the liver. It requires incision of the skin and placing the probe in the liver, which makes it an invasive method of liver examination. A illuminated tube with a camera is inserted through the incision in the abdominal cavity, which gives a macroscopic image of the liver on the monitor.

Liver test – liver biopsy

Liver biopsy is another invasive examination method. The patient is given local anesthesia, and then a fragment of the changed liver tissue is collected with a needle for examination. Liver biopsy is indicated for the diagnosis of cancer, cirrhosis, tumors, and inflammation and infection.

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