Q. What does a liver function test show?
Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.
A liver function test, often abbreviated as LFT or liver test, is a blood test that helps doctors understand how well your liver is working. Your liver is like a superhero in your body, doing all sorts of important jobs like filtering toxins, storing energy, and making proteins that help your blood clot.
When you get an LFT, the test looks at various things in your blood that can tell us about your liver health. It measures levels of enzymes, proteins, and other substances that are either made by the liver or affected by its function. These include things like alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and albumin.
Elevated levels of certain enzymes, like ALT and AST, might indicate that your liver cells are being damaged or inflamed. High levels of bilirubin can suggest problems with bile ducts or other issues related to the liver's ability to process waste. Low levels of proteins like albumin might indicate that your liver isn't making enough of them, which can affect things like blood clotting and fluid balance in your body.
Overall, an LFT gives doctors valuable insights into how well your liver is functioning. It can help diagnose liver diseases, monitor the progress of liver conditions, and guide treatment decisions. If your doctor recommends an LFT, it's usually to check on your liver health and catch any potential issues early on.
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