Common Liver Function Test: Name, Price And More

Introduction

The liver is one of the largest and most vital organs in the human body, performing essential tasks like filtering toxins, producing bile for digestion, and metabolizing nutrients.The liver also plays a critical role in regulating blood clotting, storing vitamins and minerals, and producing essential proteins for bodily functions. Keeping your liver healthy is important, and liver function tests (LFTs) are key to monitoring its efficiency and detecting potential problems early on.

What are the Common Liver Function Tests?

Liver function tests are a set of biochemistry tests used to assess the capacity of the liver to perform its tasks, however these tests are not specific to diagnose a specific liver disease. These tests measure some enzyme specific proteins and other substrates in the blood that can show how efficiently the liver is functioning or whether it has a pathology. The most commonly used liver function tests include:

1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT):

ALT is an enzyme that is mainly located in the hepatic tissue. A high ALT in the blood serum always points to a problem in the liver tissue as this enzyme is let free into the blood wherever there is liver cell injury.

2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST):

AST is an enzyme that exists in the liver together with other tissues including the heart muscles and others. The same applies to AST because elevated levels of this enzyme also indicate damage to the liver while it is present in other organs as well.

3. Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP):

ALP is an enzyme that is present in liver, bone and intestine. High levels of ALP can also suggest disease conditions of the liver or of the biliary tracts. It can also be elevated in bone disorders which are characterized by derived increased markers of bone resorption on the basis of population reference ranges.

4. Bilirubin:

Bilirubin is a substance which is formed due to the degradation of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Though it is also well transported and excreted through the liver, high bilirubin level causes jaundice which is a sign of liver/bile duct obstruction.

5. Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT):

It is an enzyme that helps in the breakdown of glutathione and is mainly present in the liver and some other organs. There is significant evidence that increased GGT levels may be used to indicate the presence of a liver problem, with alcohol consumption and cholestasis being the two most common causes. 

When are Liver Function Tests Prescribed?

Liver function tests are prescribed for various reasons, including the monitoring of ongoing liver diseases, evaluating the effects of medications that can potentially harm the liver, and checking for liver damage in individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use. These tests are also crucial in diagnosing conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer at an early stage.

Factors Affecting Liver Function Test Results

Several factors can influence the results of liver function tests, including:

Lifestyle Factors:

The type of food consumed, type of drinks especially those containing alcohol and level of physical activities performed has an effect on the liver. There also can be consequences of alcohol consumption, such as steatosis, hepatitis and increase in enzyme activity.

Medications:

It is important to know that some drugs like the prescription medicines and non-prescription drugs can alter the liver enzymes hence altering the tests results. It is equally wise to notify your doctor of any medicine that you are taking.

Underlying Medical Conditions:

Liver function may also be compromised due to chronic illnesses including hepatitis, fatty liver disease or heart diseases and therefore influence the test results.

Routine Monitoring and Special Considerations

Routine monitoring of liver function is recommended for individuals with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a family history of liver disease. Pregnant women, patients with autoimmune diseases, and those receiving treatments like chemotherapy may also require regular LFTs to ensure their liver remains healthy.

Cost of Liver Function Tests

Liver Function Test Name	Average Price Range
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)	Rs. 300 - Rs. 800
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)	Rs. 300 - Rs. 800
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)	Rs. 300 - Rs. 800
Bilirubin	Rs. 250 - Rs. 700
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)	Rs. 400 - Rs. 1,000

Notes: Prices can vary depending on the laboratory, location, and additional fees such as consultation or processing fees.

When to Get a Liver Function Test?

Liver function tests are typically part of routine physical exams and are recommended for:

Routine Monitoring: Annual screening of liver-specific tests with your doctor to evaluate the overall health of the liver

Risk Factors for Liver Disease: Those with characteristics like liver disease history in family members, alcoholism or chronic hepatitis B or C, will possibly require more frequent testing.

Symptoms of Liver Problems: If you are experiencing such signs as jaundice, chronic weakness, abdominal discomfort, dark-colored urine or pale-colored stools, it may be time to see a doctor who will order an LFT to rule out liver problems.

Conclusion

Liver function tests are a significant tool in evaluating and in diagnosing the status of the liver. These tests can help identify any kind of hepatic disease, inflammation or even damage when the levels of certain enzymes, proteins and substances are altered in the blood. Knowledge of the routine liver tests, factors affecting the tests and costs can therefore help you in early intervention for liver diseases.

Regular liver function tests are crucial for maintaining liver health, especially if you have risk factors or symptoms of liver disease. Early detection can make all the difference, so don't hesitate to discuss these tests with your healthcare provider. Your liver is essential to your well-being, so keep it in check with timely testing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the liver function tests (LFTs)?
A: Liver function tests, or LFTs, are blood tests that gauge the concentrations of specific chemicals in your blood to determine how effectively your liver is working. These tests can be used to identify liver illness or damage and to track how effectively a treatment is working.

Q2. Why are liver function tests performed?
A: Your doctor might prescribe LFTs for a number of reasons, such as:

• To identify conditions of the liver such as liver cancer, cirrhosis, and hepatitis
• To track the development of liver disease
• To assess how well liver problems are being treated
• To look for adverse drug reactions that might impact the liver from specific prescriptions
• To check for liver issues in people who have a family history of liver disease, diabetes, obesity, or other risk factors

Q3. What do LFTs measure?
A: Common LFTs include:

• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme released by the liver when it's damaged.
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): An enzyme found in the liver and other organs, including the heart.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver, bones, and intestines.
• Bilirubin: A waste product produced by the breakdown of red blood cells, which is processed by the liver.
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT): An enzyme found in the liver and other organs.

Q4. What is the typical range for LFTs?
A: Depending on the facility and the particular test, the LFT normal ranges can change. Based on the defined reference ranges, your doctor will interpret the findings of your test.

Q5. What might unusual LFT results mean?
A: Results from the LFT that are abnormal may point to illness, liver damage, or other health issues. It's crucial to remember, though, that other causes, such as recent alcohol intake, muscle damage, or specific drugs, can also result in increased LFTs.