Understanding Liver Function Test (LFT) and its Importance in Noida
The organ that can re-grow by proper transplantation and restore itself to full shape and functioning is the liver. It removes all the harmful elements and chemicals from the blood and restores the body with clean, healthy blood, and improves body functioning. The basic liver function includes blood sugar, insulin production, forming bile salts, and removing body waste. The liver in itself is a complex organ that is made up of four lobes consisting of eight major sections, and consists of small lobes.
What are the main liver functions?
The liver performs many functions and precisely takes care of every other vitamin and hormone in the body. Here are a few liver functions:
- The liver produces Bile, which has the following contents like bile salts, cholesterol, bilirubin, water, and electrolytes. This bile enables the small intestine to break down the fats and absorb cholesterol and vitamins.
- The liver then breaks down the haemoglobin, which forms bilirubin. The iron released from haemoglobin is stored in the bone marrow, which later enables the generation of blood cells.
- Blood clotting and healing of wounds are initiated by Vitamin K, and this process requires proper bile formation.
- Blood Glucose is responsible for energy and for the proper regulation of the body, which is stored by the liver.
- Vitamins and minerals are stored by the liver for the regulation of various body functions.
- The blood filtering process releases healthy functioning hormones.
- The liver is responsible for good immunity in the body, and helps the body fight against infections.
- The liver also generates Albumin, a protein in blood serum. This serum carries away the steroids and fatty acids.
Irregular liver functions can cause many liver diseases, and these diseases affect the immune system. Let’s discuss some of the Liver Diseases below:
Let’s understand different liver diseases and their causes:
| Liver Diseases | Causes |
| Alcoholic Liver Disease | Extreme and binge drinking |
| Ascites | Irregular swelling of the abdomen with fluids, a later stage of cirrhosis. |
| Autoimmune Liver Diseases | Autoantibodies created by the body attack other antibodies, sensing them as dangerous. |
| Autoimmune Hepatitis | A rare disease that causes lifelong inflammation in the liver as the body’s immune system starts damaging healthy liver cells. |
| Bile Duct Cancer and Bile Cysts | These two are interrelated; swelling in the bile duct causes bile cysts or Choledochal cysts, which are sometimes genetic and found in young ones more than adults, one of the rare diseases. |
| Cirrhosis | A serious liver condition, this damage starts with fatty liver, inflammation due to hepatitis, and later, fibrosis starts building in the liver, making it weak, and finally, cirrhosis. Blood flow is restricted, causing the liver to swell up. |
| Drug-Induced Liver Injuries | Caused due to wrong medication that causes liver damage. |
| Haemangiomas | Irregular growth of liver veins, obstructing blood flow, causing abdominal swelling and bloating issues. |
| Hepatitis A | Spreads in the liver due to contaminated food or water. |
| Hepatitis B, C, and E | Liver damage due to viral infection can lead to liver damage and later cirrhosis. |
| Liver Abscesses | A collection of dead cells, these bacteria remain in the bile duct or liver, causing infection. Diabetics are at risk. |
| Liver Cancer | Types of liver cancers are Gallbladder Cancer, Angiosarcoma, and fibrolamellar. While many more cancer types also exist. |
To avoid these liver diseases, it is very important to have routine liver health check-ups. Either comprehensive or preventive, to understand the total health and functioning of your liver. Let’s understand various Liver Function Tests (LFT) and Liver Profile Tests done in Noida, and their necessity.
Various Liver Function Tests (LFT) and what they help detect:
| Liver Function Tests | Detection |
| Albumin | Albumin is a protein released in the liver; low albumin indicates liver issues. |
| Globulin | Proteins in the blood are indicated by globulin; high globulin levels lead to liver autoimmune diseases. |
| Bilirubin | High bilirubin means a bile process issue or blockage. |
| SGOT- Aspartate Transaminase (AST) | Aspartate transaminase is found in the kidneys, liver, and pancreas. Excess AST in the bloodstream determines acute liver damage. |
| SGPT- Alanine Transaminase (ALT) | Helps determine the level of alanine aminotransferase in the blood. Helps detect the hepatitis condition. |
| Alkaline Phosphatase | The alkaline phosphate is present in the liver, bones, and bile tract. Excess can cause liver abscess and bile blockage, causing excretion issues. |
| Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) test. | Helps understand liver function and helps determine the level of alcohol consumed. |
| AFP test or Alpha-fetoprotein Test | A protein released by the liver when it is at risk of cancer or damage. |
| AMA test- Anti-mitochondrial antibody test | Major risk of chronic hepatitis or cirrhosis. |
| Hepatitis | Hepatitis of the liver, like A, B, C and E, are determined by this test. |
| Lactate Dehydrogenase Test | Helps measure the LDH level in the blood. LDH is responsible for blood glucose and sugar from the food. High LDH leads to cancer and tissue damage. |
A few habits to maintain a Healthy Liver:
- Eat more green vegetables and warm food, and avoid cold food it has high bacterial growth. Liver damages happen due to bacterial infections.
- Regular drugs and medications should be avoided when prescribed by a valid doctor’s prescription to prevent liver damage
- Regular exercise and proper diet can lead to overall health.
- Avoid STDs that can affect liver functioning, and practise safe sex.
- Comprehensive Body test and prescribed vaccinations on time.
FAQs:
Q: What does a Liver Function Test check?
A: The Liver Function Test the LFT) helps to check the overall health and functioning of the liver.
Q: Who should get an LFT done?
A: LFT is suggested for people who are experiencing symptoms like belly swelling, bloating, and excretion issues.
Q: Do I need to fast before an LFT?
A: Yes, fasting before an LFT Test is suggested for optimum results.
Q: How soon will I get my LFT results?
A: LFT results are produced within 24 hours; in serious cases, multiple blood test runs are performed.
Q: How often should I do an LFT?
A: LFT is advised every 3-4 months if a person is experiencing irregular bowel issues.
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