How Often are Liver Tests Done?

Aside from the factors mentioned earlier, here are more reasons to have your liver checked:

●     Examine possible side effects of regular use of medications such as NSAIDs, statins, anti seizure medicines, statins, and tuberculosis drugs.

●     Monitor any existing liver disorder, fatty liver disease, or cirrhosis.

●     Check how well you are responding to medication to address liver disease.

●     If you have medical conditions like gallbladder disease, high triglycerides, diabetes, high blood pressure, or anemia.

●     If you are a heavy drinker of alcohol.

liver function test

What Preparations Do I Need to Make Before a Liver Function Test?

The food you eat, or medications you take may affect the levels of enzymes and proteins in your blood. Therefore, your GP may ask you to keep away from certain medicines or food before your test. Generally, a fasting period of 10 to 12 hours is required before taking the test. Therefore, talking to your GP about specific requirements based on your health situation is essential.

What Does a Liver Blood Test Check For?

The different components included in a liver function test or a liver panel measures other substances like proteins and enzymes that reflect the state of your liver; hence your blood sample is tested for the following:

●     Total protein and albumin. These are proteins that help in your different bodily functions, especially in warding off infections.

●     ALP. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that helps break down proteins. ALP is found in the liver and bones.

●     ALT. Alanine transaminase is used by your body to convert protein for cellular energy.

●     AST. Aspartate transaminase is found in the blood at low levels. It is an enzyme used to metabolize amino acids.

●     GGT. Gamma-glutamyltransferase is an enzyme that assists the liver in metabolizing toxins or drugs.

●     Biliburin. It is a waste product that results from the normal breakdown of red blood cells.

●     LD. Lactate dehydrogenase helps convert glucose to energy for cells to use.

●     PT. Prothrombin time evaluates your blood clotting capacity.

How Often Do I Need to Repeat Liver Function Tests?

Depending on your initial liver function test results or medical history, your GP or hepatologist may advise repeating testing to monitor your liver function. Follow-up tests can range from every three months to once a year.

Certain liver conditions do not show symptoms until their advanced stages. Therefore, a liver function test must be included in your routine checkups—our specialists at Anna Pharmacy are ready to assist you with your testing needs.

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