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A liver function test is a blood chemistry test to assess the activity of enzymes produced by the liver cells. As part of the liver tests, tests for the activity of: aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), alkaline phosphatase (Alt), GGTP test and bilirubin concentration are performed.
The purpose of liver function tests is to detect hepatitis B and C viruses, fatty liver disease, fat management disorders, diabetes and alcohol abuse, and drug-related harm. Liver tests can also detect liver tumors.
The doctor may refer the patient to liver tests if the patient complains of general weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, flatulence, nausea, prolonged epigastric pain, vomiting, diarrhea, unjustified weight loss, decreased libido, impotence, menstrual disorders, epistaxis, itchy skin, gynaecomastia or infertility.
Liver tests should also be performed prophylactically, i.e. at least once a year. Also during pregnancy, you can check that your liver is okay. Buy now on Medonet Market Pregnancy tests – a package of blood tests in which you can determine liver tests and many other parameters important for the course of pregnancy.
You can do liver tests as part of the complete testing package recommended annually. Order now a comprehensive e-package of preventive examinations or a package of preventive examinations – blood tests offered by uPatient’s company with the possibility of taking a blood sample at home. The Liver Package is also available on Medonet Market – diagnostic tests, thanks to which you can check the condition of your liver.
A liver function test is also a good idea if you want to visit a dietitian or see how your metabolism works. In such a situation, use the Pre-consultation package with a dietitian – home blood analysis.
Liver tests – preparation for the test
A liver function test is a test for transaminases that is done by taking a blood sample from a vein in the elbow flexion. It is important to go on an empty stomach, that is before liver tests, we do not take food for at least 12 hours.
At the same time, how we eat is extremely important to get the right results. Before the test, it is better to avoid eating fatty foods, such as pork knuckles, or drinking alcohol, because they will affect the results of liver tests. The same is the case with chocolate and coffee, which cause the bile ducts to shrink, which will ultimately result in erroneous test results.
High levels of transaminases may persist for several days, so before performing liver tests, it is worth refraining from consuming hard-to-digest foods and drinking alcohol for at least a week before the test.
Liver tests – norms
The norms determined by liver tests indicate the condition of this organ of the body. If the result is higher than normal (elevated liver tests), there may be a medical condition.
- Tool Norms: 5-40 U / l, regardless of gender;
- AspAT norm: the standard is 5-40 U / l for both sexes;
- Norma GGTP: below 35 U / l in women and below 40 U / l in men;
- The norm of ALP in serum: for adults it is 30-120 U / l; for children up to the age of 9: age 1-3: 145-320; l, 4-6 years: 150-380 U / l; 7-9 years: 175-420 U / l; girls 9-19 years: 10-11 years: 130-560 U / l; 12-13 years: 105-420 U / l; 14-15 years: 70-230 U / l; 16-19 years: 40-136 U / l; boys 9-19 years: 10-11 years: 135-530 U / l; 12-13 years: 200-495 U / l; 14-15 years: 130-525 U / l; 16-19 years: 48-261 U / l.
- Bilirubin – the total norm is 5-17 µmol / l
What do elevated liver tests show?
Elevated norms in liver tests may indicate both liver disorders and problems with the pancreas or incorrect eating habits. Below, we present the most important health problems that may be indicated by elevated liver test results.
- The norm of ALT – a 3-4-fold increase in AlAt is observed in cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis, a 4-10-fold increase is characteristic of acute hepatitis, and more than 100-fold indicates acute viral hepatitis or drug toxicity;
- AspAT marker: an increase in AspAt accompanies an increase in AlAt – 3-4 fold indicates cholestasis, 10 fold indicates acute hepatitis, and over 100 fold indicates its toxic damage;
- GGTP norm – an increase indicates cholestasis, pancreatic disease, or alcohol abuse;
- The norm of ALP in serum – elevated ALP correlated with an increase in GGTP indicates cholestasis, an isolated increase in ALP most often indicates bone diseases;
- Bilirubin – increased – occurs with viral hepatitis and congenital disorders of bilirubin uptake by the liver. The predominance of conjugated bilirubin is found in biliary blockage and intrahepatic cholestasis;
- a significant increase in GGTP, LDH, ALP and a slight increase in AspAt and AlAt – may indicate a liver tumor.
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