Have you Checked Your Liver Function?

Liver function tests (LFTs) are specifically ordered to analyze the damage and inflammation of liver. This profile includes important tests such as ALT and AST, PT and INR, etc.

Dr. Pratibha Karande gives a vivid overview of LFTs. Watch it now!

What are liver function tests?

These are requisite tests carried out to evaluate the functioning of our liver. As we all know, liver is one of the main organs of our body. The liver principally does the work of secreting a number of chemicals in the blood. So when the liver function tests are conducted, the levels of these chemicals present in the blood are actually evaluated.

What are the functions of liver?

Liver plays an epochal role in the functioning of our body. It:

• Helps in the digestion of proteins and fats
• Secretes bile which helps in the process of digestion of lipids
• Stores glycogen from sugar
• Removes toxins from the body

Which tests fall under liver function profile?

Under this particular broad heading, you will see a number of tests listed:

• SOGT, SGPT (enzymes secreted by liver). When a person suffers from some problems related to liver functioning, the level of these enzymes are always on the higher side
• Albumin and globulin (proteins produced by liver). If the liver functions are not proper then there is a possibility that the level of these proteins could rise up
• Bilirubin (toxins produced during the process of the breaking down of red blood cells). As it is a toxin, it needs to be discarded from the blood circulation. However, if the liver is not functioning properly, bilirubin will be held back in it which ultimately be reversed back in the blood circulation. Such results could give a yellow discoloration to the sclera and fingertips. So, any person suffering from the abnormality of liver functioning could possess high bilirubin levels

Why do we perform liver function test?

These tests provide a complete overview of the functioning of liver. Therefore, it is necessary that the physician considers the liver functioning tests and understands whether or not the liver is operating properly.