Q. What are some of the things a doctor might be looking for in an LFT blood test?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
A doctor might order a liver function test (LFT), also known as a liver panel or liver blood test, to check for a variety of things related to your liver health. Here's a breakdown of some key areas a doctor may be looking at:
1. Identifying Liver Damage:
-
The liver function test measures the levels of enzymes and proteins in your blood. Abnormal levels of these substances can indicate damage to liver cells.
-
For instance, high levels of enzymes like ALT (alanine transaminase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase) often suggest liver injury.
2. Screening for Liver Diseases:
-
LFTs can help screen for various liver diseases, including hepatitis (viral infections), cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), and fatty liver disease.
-
The test results along with your symptoms can help guide further investigation.
3. Monitoring Existing Liver Disease:
-
If you already have a diagnosed liver condition, LFTs become crucial for monitoring the progression of the disease.
-
Tracking changes in enzyme and protein levels over time helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and identify any potential complications.
4. Checking for Medication Side Effects:
-
Certain medications can have side effects on the liver.
-
An LFT can help identify any liver damage caused by medications you're taking.
5. Overall Liver Function Assessment:
-
The liver performs many vital functions, including protein synthesis, waste product removal, and blood clotting.
-
LFT results provide a general idea of how well your liver is functioning in these areas.
It's important to remember that an LFT alone may not be diagnostic of a specific liver condition. However, it's a valuable tool for doctors to assess your liver health and determine if further tests are necessary.
Related Questions
-
Cardiology Heart disease What are reasons of chest pain?
-
Cardiology Heart disease What is the cause of congenital heart d
-
Are there any advancements in the medical field related to childhood heart disease research or treatments? | Secondmedic
-
Are there any ongoing research or clinical trials related to atrial fibrillation treatment and management? | Secondmedic