Liver tests: what are they, who should be tested, norms, price and more

The liver is an extremely important organ in our body, performing many key functions.One tool that helps monitor her health is liver function tests.In this article, we will discuss what exactly liver tests are, who should undergo this test, how to prepare for it, what the standard results are and much other important information.

Liver tests – what is this test?

Liver tests, also called liver enzyme tests, are a set of laboratory tests designed to assess the state of liver function.This test measures the levels of various enzymes, proteins and other substances in the blood that may indicate liver problems.

Who should have liver function tests performed?

Liver function testing is not a routine screening test, but may be recommended in many situations.People who should consider having these tests done are:

• People with symptoms of liver problems such as jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue.
• People at risk of liver disease, e.g.

  patients with diabetes, obesity, alcohol abuse.

• People taking medications that may have a negative effect on the liver.
• People who have been exposed to the hepatitis virus.

Liver tests – how to prepare for the test?

Preparing for a liver function test is usually relatively simple.The most important thing is to fast for at least 8 hours before the examination.This means that you should not consume any food or drink except water.It is also important to inform your doctor about the medications and supplements you take, as some of them may affect the test results.

Liver tests – norms for women, men and pregnant women

Normal liver test results may vary slightly depending on the laboratory and the units of measurement used.Reference values are usually expressed in units per liter of blood (U/L).Here are approximate standards for some of the most important parameters:

• Aspartaminotransferase (AST): 10-40 U/L
• Alaninetransferase (ALT): 7-56 U/L
• Total bilirubin: 0.2-1.2 mg/dl
• Total protein: 6.0-8.3 g/dl

However, it is worth remembering that the results should always be interpreted by a doctor, taking into account the patient’s individual situation.

Liver tests – interpretation of results

Interpreting liver test results can be complicated because many factors can affect liver test levels.High liver enzyme values may indicate liver damage, but do not necessarily indicate a specific disease.The doctor will need to evaluate the results in the context of other tests and the patient’s clinical data.

Which drugs can increase liver function tests?

It is worth knowing that some medications may increase the levels of liver enzymes.These include, among others:paracetamol, some anticancer drugs, and some painkillers.Therefore, it is important to inform your doctor about the medications you are taking before performing liver function tests.

How to lower elevated liver function tests?

If liver function test results indicate elevated liver enzyme levels, further testing and treatment may be necessary.Treatment will depend on the cause of the problem.If you suffer from alcohol-related liver damage, you will need to stop drinking alcohol.In other cases, your doctor may recommend an appropriate diet and medications.

Liver tests – price/reimbursement, referral

The price of liver function tests may vary depending on the laboratory and the scope of testing.However, they are often available on a reimbursement basis under public health care.To perform these tests, you do not always need a referral from your primary care physician, but it is worth consulting a doctor to assess the need for them.

Your suggestions

If you have any doubts about liver function tests or would like to know more about it, please consult your doctor or specialist.Take care of the health of your liver, because it is a key organ for keeping the entire body in good condition.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in liver health, we recommend checking out our other articles on diet, lifestyle and liver disease.It’s always worth being well informed on this topic.

It is worth remembering that liver function tests are an important diagnostic tool that can help detect liver problems at an early stage.Therefore, regular check-ups are recommended, especially for people at increased risk of liver disease.A healthy liver is key to maintaining overall health and good quality of life.