Liver Function Tests (LFTs), also known as liver panel tests, are blood tests designed to assess liver health by measuring specific proteins, enzymes, and metabolic byproducts produced by the liver. Positioned in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen beneath the diaphragm, the liver is a vital organ responsible for digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. It also plays a significant role in synthesising and storing glucose and regulating red blood cells.

LFTs can effectively screen for various liver disorders. These tests help evaluate liver function, and bile flow (the greenish-yellow fluid produced by the liver), and determine liver or bile duct damage. LFTs can identify if a person’s symptoms are caused by liver disease/damage. LFTs also help determine the severity of liver disease and are essential for routine monitoring of the condition and the effectiveness of ongoing treatment. Additionally, LFTs assess the impact of certain medications on liver function. LFTs can help diagnose hepatitis (liver inflammation) and ascertain whether it is due to alcohol consumption or other factors like metabolic issues.

In the dynamic and bustling environment of Hyderabad, where stress and lifestyle-related conditions like obesity are common, maintaining liver health is crucial. Getting LFTs done is a proactive step towards ensuring optimal liver function and the overall well-being of an individual.

Before undergoing a Liver Function test in Hyderabad, you should know the following points:

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

Best Time to Get Tested: The LFTs can be conducted at any time during the day, offering flexibility for scheduling the test in your preferred time slot.

Who Should Get LFT Test: LFTs are suitable for individuals seeking a diagnosis of liver disease and manifesting symptoms indicative of a damaged liver. Moreover, those already diagnosed with liver disease can also get their LFTs done regularly to monitor the progression of their disease and treatment response. The test is also recommended for those without apparent symptoms but possessing risk factors of liver disease such as obesity, diabetes, hepatitis, alcohol consumption, or a family history of liver disorders.

Cautions Before Taking the Test: Before doing the LFTs, it is essential to inform your doctor regarding any existing medical conditions or medications that may affect liver enzymes and protein levels. You may be asked to stop certain medications for accurate results of the test.

LFTs offer essential insights into liver health, making them a crucial component of both preventive and diagnostic healthcare. Here’s why doing the LFTs can be important:

Diagnosis of Symptoms of Liver Disease

LFTs are vital for those experiencing symptoms potentially linked to liver issues. These symptoms include persistent nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal swelling or pain, swelling on the legs, dark urine, light-coloured stool, or chronic itching. LFTs can help evaluate these signs and understand whether they are associated with liver diseases.

Screening for High-Risk Individuals

Routine LFTs are also recommended for individuals without symptoms but who are at high risk for liver damage. Risk factors include a family history of liver disease, obesity, diabetes, alcohol use disorder (AUD), or the use of medications known to impact liver function. For those with a history of hepatitis or other liver infections, regular LFTs are essential due to the increased risk of liver inflammation and damage. Early detection through routine testing allows for timely interventions that can prevent the progression of liver conditions.

Routine Monitoring of Liver Disorders

For individuals already diagnosed with liver diseases, such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis, LFTs are indispensable for ongoing monitoring. They help track the progression of the condition and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments. Regular LFTs enable doctors to adjust treatment strategies to better manage the disease and improve patient outcomes.

Routine Check-up of Liver Health

Additionally, LFTs serve as a valuable tool in routine health assessments. Incorporating LFTs into standard checkups can identify early signs of liver dysfunction even in the absence of symptoms, allowing for proactive management. This approach is crucial for maintaining liver health and preventing more severe complications from developing unnoticed.

Understanding the results of LFTs involves comparing the levels of various parameters to their standard normal ranges. Here’s an overview of the normal range for each LFT parameter:

Abnormal LFTs results may indicate several liver-related issues. Conditions commonly associated with abnormal LFTs include:

• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver, often due to alcohol use or viral infection)

• Liver Injury (damage to the liver, resulting from physical injury or toxins)

• Cirrhosis (scarring of the liver tissue, typically caused by chronic liver diseases)

• Fatty Liver Disease (accumulation of fat in liver cells, often related to obesity or metabolic conditions)

• Bile Duct Disorders (obstruction or malfunction of the bile duct, which hinder bile flow from the liver to the intestines)

• Medication-Induced Liver Damage (liver impairment caused by certain drugs that negatively affect liver function)