Liver Function Test (LFT)

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Liver function tests (LFTs), also known as hepatic panels, are a series of blood tests that provide valuable information about the state of a patient’s liver. These tests measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver, helping to assess liver health and function.

Key Components of Liver Function Tests:

• Enzymes:

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This enzyme is primarily found in the liver and is released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. Elevated ALT levels often indicate liver inflammation or damage.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Found in the liver and other tissues, AST levels can rise due to liver damage but may also be elevated in muscle injury.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme is associated with the bile ducts and can indicate cholestasis (bile flow obstruction) when elevated.
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Often used in conjunction with ALP to assess bile duct function and detect alcohol-related liver disease.

• Bilirubin:

• Bilirubin is a waste product formed from the breakdown of red blood cells. It exists in two forms: unconjugated (indirect) and conjugated (direct). Elevated bilirubin levels can lead to jaundice and indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.

• Proteins:

• Albumin: A protein produced by the liver that helps maintain blood volume and pressure. Low albumin levels can indicate chronic liver disease or dysfunction.
• Total Protein: Measures the total amount of protein in the blood, including albumin and globulins, which can provide insights into overall liver function.

• Coagulation Tests:

• Prothrombin Time (PT): Measures how long it takes for blood to clot. Prolonged PT can indicate impaired liver function since the liver produces many proteins involved in blood clotting.

Purpose of Liver Function Tests:

LFTs are used for various clinical purposes, including:

• Diagnosing Liver Diseases: To identify conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and bile duct obstructions.
• Monitoring Disease Progression: To assess the severity of known liver diseases and monitor treatment effectiveness.
• Evaluating Symptoms: To investigate symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.

Interpretation of Results:

The interpretation of LFT results requires consideration of reference ranges, which may vary by laboratory and patient demographics. Abnormal results may indicate specific conditions:

• Elevated ALT and AST levels suggest hepatocellular injury.
• Increased ALP and GGT levels may point to cholestatic liver disease.
• Elevated bilirubin levels can indicate impaired excretion or increased production due to hemolysis.

Conclusion

Liver function tests are essential diagnostic tools that provide critical insights into liver health and function. Regular monitoring through LFTs can help detect liver diseases early, allowing for timely intervention and management.

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For more detailed information on liver function tests, you can refer to the following source:

• Mayo Clinic. (2023). Liver function tests. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2023.01.001 .