What Your Liver Function Test Results Mean

Liver function tests are usually ordered by a healthcare provider to help find the cause of symptoms such as fever or fatigue, but they can also be used along with other diagnostic tools to monitor people who have chronic liver disease.

The Reasons for a Liver Function Test

There are many reasons why your doctor may order a liver function test. Some of the most common reasons include:

• To check for liver damage from viruses like hepatitis C or hepatitis B

• To check for liver damage from alcoholic beverages

• To check for liver damage from certain medications

• To check for Gilbert's syndrome, which is a condition that can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• To check for autoimmune hepatitis, which is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the liver

• To check for hemochromatosis, which is a condition that can cause too much iron to build up in the body (iron overload)

What are the Results of a Liver Function Test?

A liver function test is a blood test that measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. These levels can be a sign of how well your liver is working.

The most common liver function tests are:

• Alanine Aminotransferase Test

• Aspartate Aminotransferase Test

• Alkaline phosphatase Test

• Gamma-glutamyl transferase Test

• Bilirubin Test

ALT and AST are enzymes that are released into the blood when the liver is damaged or inflamed. ALP is an enzyme that is produced by the liver and helps with the digestion of fats. GGT is an enzyme that helps with the breakdown of substances such as alcohol. Bilirubin is a substance that is produced when red blood cells break down. It gives stool its brown color.

Liver function tests are used to help diagnose conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver disease. They can also be used to check for side effects from medicines that can damage the liver.

How to Prepare for a Liver Function Test

If your doctor suspects that you may have a liver problem, they will likely order a liver function test. This test measures the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. These enzymes and proteins are produced by the liver.

A liver function test can help diagnose conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. It can also be used to monitor the progression of these diseases or to check for side effects from medications that can affect the liver.

To prepare for a liver function test, your doctor will likely give you specific instructions. In general, you should avoid eating or drinking anything for at least 8 hours before the test. This includes water, coffee, tea, and juice. You should also avoid taking any medications or supplements that could affect the results of the test.

Your doctor may also recommend that you fast for 24 hours before the test if they suspect you have a more serious liver condition. Fasting means not eating or drinking anything except water during this time period.

If you have any questions about how to prepare for your liver function test, be sure to ask your doctor.

What can Cause an Abnormal Result?

An abnormal liver function test result can be caused by a variety of conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and alcohol abuse. It can also be caused by certain medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex). In some cases, an abnormal result may be due to a genetic liver disorder.

Conclusion

Your liver function test results can be a useful tool in diagnosing and treating liver conditions. If your results are abnormal, your healthcare provider will likely order additional tests to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for liver conditions can vary, but may include medications, surgery, or other interventions.