What does liver function test indicate?
What does liver function test indicate?
Liver function tests are blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood.
What is a normal liver function test result?
The normal range of values for AST (SGOT) is about 5 to 40 units per liter of serum (the liquid part of the blood). The normal range of values for ALT (SGPT) is about 7 to 56 units per liter of serum.
How long does a liver function test take?
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
What does it mean when your liver test is abnormal?
Your liver tests can be abnormal because: Your liver is inflamed (for example, by infection, toxic substances like alcohol and some medicines, or by an immune condition). Your liver cells have been damaged (for example, by toxic substances, such as alcohol, paracetamol, poisons).
Why do I need a liver function test?
A liver function test is often recommended in the following situations: to check for damage from liver infections, such as hepatitis B and hepatitis C. to monitor the side effects of certain medications known to affect the liver.
What labs check liver function?
A complete blood count test, also called a CBC, is often ordered along with a liver panel for people with suspected liver damage or cirrhosis . Although a CBC does not measure liver function or cirrhosis, the test can provide clues about what may be occurring in the body that could adversely affect the liver.
What are the different tests to evaluate your liver?
assessment of your physical health.
How do they test your liver function?
A liver function test is a simple blood test where your doctor will use a very thin needle and draw a small volume of blood into a vial for testing. Usually, blood is taken from the crook of the elbow and the procedure is very fast. You may experience some bruising or soreness around the area afterward.