- What are Liver Function Tests (LFTs)?
- LFTs are a group of blood tests that provide insight into liver health by evaluating enzyme levels, proteins, and waste products produced or processed by the liver.
- Key Components of Liver Function Tests:
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme found in the liver, high levels indicate liver damage or inflammation, such as in hepatitis.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Another enzyme, often tested with ALT, elevated levels can indicate liver injury or diseases like cirrhosis.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated levels may point to bile duct blockages or bone disease.
- Bilirubin: A waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells, high bilirubin can cause jaundice and suggest liver dysfunction or bile duct problems.
- Albumin: A protein made by the liver, low levels can indicate liver disease or kidney disease.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated in cases of alcoholic liver disease or bile duct blockages.
- Interpreting Results:
- High ALT/AST levels: Suggest acute liver injury, common in viral hepatitis or alcohol-related liver disease.
- High bilirubin: Indicates poor waste elimination, possibly from gallstones or liver failure.
- Low albumin: May reflect chronic liver disease, malnutrition, or kidney issues.
- Why Are LFTs Important?
- They help diagnose liver conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.
- Regular LFT monitoring is crucial for patients on medications that affect the liver or those with existing liver diseases.
Recommended Tests
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): ALT is a key component of LFTs, specifically used to detect liver inflammation or injury. Elevated ALT levels are often one of the earliest indicators of liver damage.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): GGT levels can indicate bile duct problems or alcohol-induced liver disease, making it a useful addition to LFTs.
