Liver function test

Advantages of Liver function test

• Evaluation of 11 parameters that may be related to liver, gallbladder and bile duct disorders
• Also suitable as a comparison. Make an appointment at the beginning of the month and have the test again at the end of the month - you can compare the results
• This comparison can be done e.g. in February (you need to abstain for a month) or, of course, in any other month when you adjust your diet and drinking regime
• Suitable in combination with a lipid metabolism test and Kidney & Urinary Profile
• Results within 4 working days

What´s measured

Which parameters to focus on

The Liver function test includes 11 interrelated parameters (liver tests) that can be used to determine the severity of liver cell damage (ALT, AST), impaired bile production and outflow (total bilirubin, GGT, ALP) and possible drug or alcohol toxicity (GGT).

The liver is the main organ of metabolism (metabolism) and is the organ that produces bile. It has a good regenerative capacity, but it also has its limits. The frequency and intensity of exposure of the liver to harmful substances affect its function. Hand in hand with impaired liver function goes impaired gallbladder and bile duct function.

In addition to assessing the current state of health, the results can also be viewed prognostically.

ALT

Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme also present in the cytoplasm of cells of some tissues. It is important for the formation and breakdown of amino acids and also plays a role in the metabolism of nitrogen as well as glucose. Increased ALT activity occurs when the integrity of cells, especially the liver, is compromised. As a laboratory marker, it is used to diagnose liver failure, to estimate the functional reserve of the liver, and in liver transplantation or resection.

AST

Aspartate aminotransferase is another liver enzyme that is elevated in severe damage (necrosis) of hepatocytes. The most common causes of liver damage are ethanol (alcohol), liver calcification, or viral hepatitis.

Total bilirubin

Total bilirubin is a yellow-orange dye and a product of heme metabolism (contains iron). Heme is found in red blood cells but also in many proteins (e.g. myoglobin, peroxidase, cytochromes). Bilirubin and its metabolites are produced daily in the spleen, liver and bone marrow and cause the typical colouration of bile, faeces and urine.

Conjugated bilirubin

Conjugated bilirubin is produced in the liver, referred to as direct bilirubin when measured in the blood, converted to direct bilirubin and then excreted in the bile into the intestines and finally out of the body.

Elevated levels of direct bilirubin may indicate problems with the liver or gallbladder.

GGT

Gamma-glutamyltransferase is an enzyme localized on the cell membrane with the highest concentration in the liver. It is very sensitive to changes in the bile ducts (e.g. due to damage from drugs or alcohol).

ALP

Is an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase that is found in high concentrations in liver and bone cells. It is an important parameter in the diagnosis of liver and bone diseases.

Total protein

This is the determination of the concentration of all proteins in the blood plasma. Proteins are the basic building blocks of all cells and tissues. They are not only important for bodily growth, but also fulfil a number of functions, e.g. transport of all water insoluble substances, maintenance of oncotic pressure in cells and pH of blood, defence against infections, etc.

Serum protein electrophoresis

It is recommended for pathological result of total proteins when more detailed information about serum proteins is needed, as evidence of dysproteinemia (change in concentration and qualitative composition of individual proteins in serum), as evidence of paraproteinemia (presence of monoclonal immunoglobulins).

Albumin

Albumin is a small protein that makes up about 60% of blood proteins and is formed in the liver.

The role of albumin in the blood is to transport various substances and maintain the balance of the internal environment. It is excreted from the body to a small extent by the kidneys and the digestive system, and most of it is broken down in the endothelial cells of blood capillaries. In the case of hypoalbuminemia, swelling may occur. Albumin deficiency also affects the biological effect of many substances carried in the body, e.g. drugs, hormones.

Globulin

Globulin is a group of proteins found in your blood. It plays an essential role in various functions in your body, such as immune system support, blood clotting, and transport of hormones and vitamins. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, immune disorders, or malnutrition."

The albumin/globulin ratio

The albumin/globulin ratio compares the levels of two types of proteins in your blood: albumin and globulins. Albumin is a specific protein, while globulins are a group of proteins that include antibodies and other important proteins for various functions in the body. An abnormal albumin/globulin ratio may indicate certain health conditions or imbalances in your body.