The liver is located in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen beneath the diaphragm. It plays a pivotal role in digestion, metabolism, and toxin elimination. Additionally, it contributes to glucose synthesis and storage, as well as the regulation of red blood cells. Liver Function Tests (LFTs), also referred to as liver panel tests, analyse liver function by measuring the various substances produced by the liver, including proteins, enzymes, and metabolic byproducts.

LFTs serve as a valuable screening tool for many liver diseases. It aids in detecting whether symptoms in an individual are a sign of liver disease or damage. Testing also helps in determining the severity of diagnosed liver conditions and monitoring the response to ongoing treatments.

LFTs are also helpful in monitoring the adverse effects of certain medications affecting the liver. Moreover, LFTs can pinpoint liver inflammation (hepatitis), identify its causal factors like alcohol intake or metabolic issues, assess impairment in liver function, evaluate the flow of bile (a greenish-yellow fluid that the liver generates), and determine the extent and location of damage within the liver or bile duct.

In Delhi’s busy schedule, where an unhealthy lifestyle can damage liver health, getting LFTs as a part of your routine health checkup can go a long way towards ensuring a healthy liver.

Before undergoing a Liver test in Delhi, it is crucial to consider the following aspects:

Prerequisites: Typically, no significant preparation is needed for LFTs. The test does not require fasting.

Best Time to Get Tested: The LFT test at home can be performed at any time of the day, at your convenience.

Who Should Get LFTs: LFTs are suitable for those exhibiting symptoms suggestive of liver damage or disease. Moreover, individuals without evident symptoms but with potential risk factors such as signs of liver inflammation, obesity, diabetes, alcohol use, or a family history of liver conditions should consider undergoing testing. For those already diagnosed with liver disease, LFTs serve as a means to monitor disease progression and response to treatment.

Cautions Before Taking the Test: Before conducting the LFTs, it is essential to inform your doctor about any medicines, supplements, or herbs that you may be taking for any illnesses.

LFTs are crucial for assessing liver health and function. Here are several reasons for getting the LFTs:

Routine Health Checkup

Incorporating LFTs into regular medical checkups can be beneficial for the early detection of liver abnormalities. This routine screening facilitates the identification of potential liver issues before they manifest into more serious conditions, enabling timely medical intervention and management.

Monitoring of Existing Liver Conditions

For patients diagnosed with liver diseases such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, ongoing monitoring through LFTs is vital for tracking disease progression and evaluating treatment efficacy. Continuous monitoring allows the doctor to adjust treatment plans to maintain optimal liver health.

Diagnosing Symptoms of Liver Disease

Symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) may signify liver dysfunction. Additional signs include abdominal pain or swelling, leg oedema, dark urine, pale stools, or persistent itching. LFTs are essential in evaluating these symptoms to ascertain liver health and uncover underlying issues.

Screening for High-Risk Individuals

Individuals with specific risk factors for liver problems should consider regular LFTs even if they do not have any symptoms. High-risk groups include those with a family history of liver disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD), obesity, diabetes, or those on medications that can impair liver function. Regular monitoring is also crucial for individuals with a history of hepatitis, as they are prone to liver inflammation and damage.

The following table will help interpret the results of the LFTs:

LFTs results outside the normal range may indicate various liver conditions, such as:

• Liver Dysfunction : Resulting from liver injury or damage.

• Hepatitis : Liver inflammation, often triggered by factors like alcohol or viral infections.

• Bile Duct Issues : E.g., obstruction in the bile duct, which is crucial for transporting bile from the liver to the intestine.

• Cirrhosis : Characterised by liver scarring, typically associated with chronic liver diseases.

• Fatty Liver Disease : Accumulation of fat in the liver cells, linked to obesity or metabolic disorders.

• Medication-Related Liver Damage : Impairment caused by drugs that affect liver function.