Liver Function Test

Metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins

Bilirubin, bile acids, and bile salts

Albumin, α- and β-globulins, clotting factors, cholesterol, lipoproteins

Glycogen, vitamins (A, D, B12), etc.

Due to its multiple functions such as metabolism, excretion, synthesis, and storage

To assess the functional capacity of the liver.

They help in diagnosing liver diseases and monitoring the effectiveness of treatments.

They measure levels of enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin in the blood.

They aid in the early detection of liver problems before symptoms appear.

AST, ALT, and ALP are commonly measured enzymes.

Liver function tests help in the management of liver disease by allowing clinicians to detect and diagnose liver disease, evaluate its severity, monitor the response to treatment, and assess the prognosis.

Liver function tests are important in evaluating the liver's capacity for detoxification and drug metabolism, which are crucial liver functions. These tests can help detect and monitor liver disease that may impair these vital liver processes.

The main purposes of liver function tests are to detect and diagnose liver disease, evaluate the severity of liver disease, monitor response to therapy, and assess the prognosis of liver disease.

Liver function tests can provide information about the severity and progression of liver disease, which in turn can be used to assess the prognosis. Abnormal or worsening liver function test results may indicate a poorer prognosis, while improvements can suggest a better outlook.

Liver function tests can be used to monitor the patient's response to treatment for a liver condition. Improvements in liver enzyme levels or other markers over time would indicate that the therapy is effective, while persistent or worsening abnormalities could suggest the need to adjust the treatment plan.

Liver or bile duct problems, jaundice, or anemia.

Elevated bilirubin levels

The hepatic (liver) system and hematologic (blood) system.

Their bilirubin levels would likely be elevated.

Bilirubin is a waste product from the breakdown of red blood cells. Abnormal levels indicate a disruption in the production, metabolism, or excretion of bilirubin.

Obstructive jaundice is caused by an obstruction in the bile duct system, leading to a buildup of conjugated bilirubin, while unconjugated jaundice is caused by an overproduction or impaired conjugation of bilirubin, resulting in an accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin.

Bilirubin conjugation is a process where bilirubin, a waste product from the breakdown of hemoglobin, is made water-soluble by the liver through the addition of glucuronic acid. Impaired conjugation can lead to an accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin, resulting in unconjugated jaundice.

A bilirubin test measures the levels of bilirubin in the blood. High levels of total bilirubin, or an elevated proportion of conjugated or unconjugated bilirubin, can indicate the presence and type of jaundice, aiding in the diagnosis and guiding further investigations.

If obstructive jaundice is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts), gallstones, liver damage, and potentially liver failure due to the buildup of toxic bile components.

Bilirubin is excreted from the body through the following process: unconjugated bilirubin is taken up by liver cells, conjugated with glucuronic acid, and then secreted into the bile. The conjugated bilirubin is then eliminated from the body through the feces after being metabolized by intestinal bacteria.