Why Do I Need a Repeat Liver Function Test?
Because your health matters
Discover more about your risk for liver disease through our reliable and accurate private Liver Function Test.
This test provides valuable insights into the performance of your body's largest internal organ. From metabolising toxins to combating illness, your liver plays a crucial role in your overall wellbeing by producing vital proteins and storing energy.
Liver issues can arise from various factors, such as viruses, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity. Our comprehensive liver test evaluates specific enzymes, proteins, and cell counts in your blood, incorporating a FIB-4 score calculation for a more advanced understanding of your liver health.
Liver problems often manifest without noticeable symptoms, highlighting the importance of proactive testing. You can gain a comprehensive perspective on your liver health through our full body private health checks.
Checking your lung, kidney and liver function, plus heart and lung health, together with tests for cholesterol, diabetes risk, protein, iron and more, our private Health MOTs give you a great overview of your health and wellbeing. After your appointment, you'll receive a personalised Results Report and free 24/7 GP helpline access for an entire year.
What is a repeat Liver Function Test?
A repeat Liver Blood Test, formerly known as Liver Function Test (LFT), is a diagnostic procedure that assesses the functioning and health of the liver by examining various markers.
Liver Blood Tests are designed to evaluate different aspects of liver health, including:
- Albumin and Total Protein: Measures the levels of proteins, particularly albumin, produced by the liver.
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), ALT (Alanine Transaminase), AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), and GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Assesses the levels of enzymes mainly produced in the liver, providing insights into liver function.
- Bilirubin: Examines the levels of a waste product formed during the breakdown of red blood cells, with the liver playing a crucial role in its removal.
- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Measures an enzyme found in various body tissues, including the liver.
- Prothrombin Time (PT): Evaluates how long it takes for blood to clot, reflecting the liver's production of prothrombin, a clotting protein.
These tests collectively contribute to understanding liver function, and detecting potential damage, inflammation, or underlying liver diseases. It's important to note that while abnormal liver blood test results can indicate potential issues, they are not specific enough to diagnose particular diseases. Further tests are usually necessary to determine the exact cause if abnormalities are detected.
Why would I need a repeat Liver Function Test?
There are many reasons to undergo a repeat Liver Function Blood Test:
- Proactive Health Management: Embracing a proactive approach to health involves regular assessments. Proactively monitoring your liver health allows for the early detection of potential issues, fostering a preventive mindset that empowers you to take charge of your wellbeing.
- Monitoring Progress: If you've previously received abnormal results, a repeat blood test for liver function helps healthcare providers monitor changes over time, assessing the impact of interventions or treatments.
- Diagnostic Confirmation: In cases of inconclusive initial results, a repeat test may be necessary to confirm accuracy, ruling out temporary fluctuations or potential errors.
- Chronic Conditions: Individuals with chronic liver conditions, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, may undergo regular Liver Function Tests to track disease progression and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
- Medication Management: Certain medications or treatments may impact liver function, warranting regular monitoring to ensure the safe and effective management of your health.
- Risk Factors: For those with known risk factors for liver disease, regular Liver Function Tests may be part of preventive monitoring to detect potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention.
What does the 'normal range' mean in Liver Function Tests?
The 'normal range' in Liver Function Tests refers to the range of values that are considered typical for specific markers indicating liver health. These markers include enzymes, proteins, and other substances present in the blood. The normal range is established based on the average values found in a healthy population. Deviations from this range may indicate potential liver issues.
Understanding the normal range is crucial for interpreting test results accurately, as it provides a benchmark for assessing the health of your liver and guiding appropriate interventions when necessary.
With Bluecrest Wellness, your personalised Results Report will explain the results of your Liver Function Test, which explains each of your test results in detail, with no medical jargon. Each result will be given a flag of green, amber or red, together with follow-up advice so you'll always know what to do next.
What does it mean when your Liver Test is abnormal?
When your test yields abnormal blood liver results, it indicates that certain markers in the test fall outside the normal range. This deviation may suggest various potential issues related to your liver health. Here's a breakdown of what abnormal liver test results might signify:
- Liver Inflammation: Elevated levels of liver enzymes, such as ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and AST (aspartate aminotransferase), could indicate liver inflammation. This might be due to various factors, including viral infections (hepatitis), alcohol abuse, or autoimmune conditions.
- Liver Damage: Persistently high levels of liver enzymes may suggest ongoing damage to liver cells. This could be caused by chronic conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, or certain medications.
- Bile Duct Issues: Abnormal levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) may point to problems with the bile ducts, which can affect the flow of bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. This might be indicative of conditions like gallstones or primary biliary cirrhosis.
- Liver Function Impairment: Abnormal levels of proteins synthesised by the liver, such as albumin and total protein, may suggest impaired liver function. This could be due to chronic liver disease or other underlying health issues.
- Viral Infections: Elevated levels of specific antibodies or viral markers, such as hepatitis B or C, could indicate a viral infection affecting the liver.
It's important to note that an abnormal Liver Function Blood Test doesn't pinpoint a specific diagnosis. Further evaluation, including additional tests and a comprehensive medical assessment, is typically needed to identify the underlying cause.
How do I keep my liver healthy?
Ensuring the health of your liver is crucial for your overall wellbeing. Regular check-ups and periodic liver function tests can help detect issues early, allowing you to take action.
Here are essential practices to keep your liver in optimal condition:
- Balanced Diet: Adopt a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Minimise your intake of processed foods, refined sugars and saturated fats. Stay hydrated by drinking an adequate amount of water.
- Moderate Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol intake to moderate levels. Excessive alcohol can damage liver cells and contribute to conditions such as fatty liver disease and cirrhosis.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in regular physical activity to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise contributes to overall wellbeing and helps prevent conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- Avoiding Harmful Substances: Steer clear of recreational drugs and unnecessary medications. Certain substances can adversely affect the liver, leading to damage or inflammation.
- Vaccinations: Ensure you are vaccinated against hepatitis A and B. These vaccinations protect against viral infections that can cause liver damage.
- Weight Management: Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A balanced diet and regular exercise contribute to weight management.
- Medication Awareness: Be cautious with medications and supplements. Consult your healthcare provider before taking new medications, as some substances can have adverse effects on the liver.
By incorporating these practices into your lifestyle, you can proactively support liver health and reduce the risk of liver-related conditions. Remember, your liver plays a vital role in maintaining overall health, and nurturing it with these habits contributes to a life of vitality and wellbeing.
Private Health Checks for complete peace of mind
Our range of full body health MOTs provides a thorough evaluation of your overall health, including your liver function.
Our private health assessments are designed for busy people who want to take control of their health. Our tests are quick, accurate, convenient and completely stress-free. No waiting for an appointment, no invasive procedures, no embarrassing questions, no long travel times and no busy waiting rooms.
Trained phlebotomists carry out all our Liver Function Tests in over 350 venues across the UK and Ireland, so you get accurate professional health checks within 20 minutes of your home.
Book your private Liver Function Test today.
