Liver Function Tests are used if symptoms of a liver condition are suspected or if a patient has a family history of liver disease; has excessive alcohol intake, or is taking a drug that can cause liver damage.
The liver is a large organ located in the right upper abdomen, behind the lower ribs. It is a busy organ, which draws toxic substances and drugs out from the blood, produces proteins, including enzymes and blood clotting factors, helps maintain hormone balance and stores vitamins. The liver also produces bile, which is required by the small intestine to help digest fats.
When the liver is damaged, enzymes are released into the blood and levels of proteins produced by the liver begin to drop.
By measuring the levels of these enzymes and proteins, it is possible to assess how well the liver is functioning.
This can help to diagnose certain liver conditions, including hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease and liver scarring (cirrhosis).
Some of the symptoms of a suspected liver condition commonly include jaundice, concentrated or dark urine and light-coloured stools; bloody or black stools; diarrhoea and vomiting; nausea; loss of appetite; vomiting of blood; swelling or abdominal pain; unusual weight change; and fatigue or loss of stamina.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should notify your GP.
Our Bodyvie doctors and phlebotomists offer Liver Function tests, for accurate and fast results. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe and sent to our processing lab, The Doctors Laboratory.
