The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. This typically includes detoxifying harmful substances, synthesizing essential proteins, producing bile for digestion, and many more. Any improper function of the liver can result in disease, infection, or liver cancer. In short, if the liver continues to malfunction, it can be life-threatening. Fortunately, a simple blood test can help detect any abnormalities in the liver. The tests help in early diagnosis and better disease management. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of liver function tests and the best place for liver function tests in Vizag.
What are Liver Function Tests (LFTs)?
Liver Function Tests are typically blood tests performed to assess the liver's performance. Some of the key parameters in liver tests are as follows:
- Alanine Transaminase (ALT): This enzyme helps break down proteins in the body. High levels often indicate liver damage.
- Aspartate Transaminase (AST): Another enzyme that can indicate liver damage when elevated.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Elevated levels can be a sign of bile duct issues or liver disease.
- Bilirubin: A yellow compound produced when the liver breaks down red blood cells. High bilirubin levels can cause jaundice and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Albumin and Total Protein: Low levels can suggest poor liver function or chronic liver disease.
Why is it Important to Get a Liver Function Test (LFT)?
The importance of getting tested for liver function tests are as follows:
Early detection of liver problems
Factors like high consumption of alcohol, poor dietary habits, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental toxins can put additional strain on the liver. This further leads to an increased prevalence of liver-related diseases. Instances of such liver-related issues are fatty liver, hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc. Liver Function Tests can help identify early signs of liver dysfunction.
Helps identify chronic health conditions: People living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity are at higher risk for developing liver problems. Liver function tests can help monitor these conditions with chronic illnesses, allowing effective disease management.
Helps detect underlying health issues: Liver function tests can act as preventive tools. Testing can help detect an underlying issue early. The test can help detect conditions like hepatitis, liver fibrosis, or cirrhosis.
Monitoring the Effects of Medications and Alcohol: Certain medications can have adverse effects on the liver. Liver function tests can help understand and track how your liver is responding to the treatment.
When Should You Get a Liver Function Test?
Although you should get a liver function test as part of your routine check-up, here are some indicators that you need a liver function test:
- When you witness symptoms of liver disease such as unexplained fatigue, abdominal discomfort, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), dark urine, light-colored stool, etc.
- If you have a history of chronic diabetes, high cholesterol, or liver disease, LFTs should be part of your regular health monitoring.
- If you have a family history of liver disease.
- If you have viral infections such as hepatitis B or C.
Undergo liver function tests at the diagnostic centre in Vizag, Vijaya Medical Centre
Taking care of your liver is crucial for maintaining overall health, and liver function tests are a vital tool in diagnosing and preventing liver diseases. If you are considering a liver function test, you can book your appointment at the best diagnostic centre in Vizag, Vijaya Medical Centre, for accurate and reliable test results. The test can help early detect any liver malfunctioning, keep track of how your liver is responsible for medications, and help manage your underlying condition. For more information, visit Vijaya Medical Centre today.
