You can't effectively check your liver's health at home. A healthcare professional needs to perform specific tests to assess your liver function.
Understanding Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
The primary way to check your liver is through liver function tests (LFTs). These are blood tests that measure the levels of various enzymes and proteins produced by your liver. These measurements help your doctor understand how well your liver is functioning. [^1, ^2, ^3, ^4, ^5, ^7, ^8, ^9] Abnormal results can indicate liver damage or disease.
- How it's done: A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. ^4
- What it measures: LFTs measure substances like bilirubin (a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown processed by the liver), ALT (alanine aminotransferase), and AST (aspartate aminotransferase), enzymes mostly found in the liver. Elevated levels of these can suggest liver damage. [^5, ^6]
- Interpretation: Only a doctor can interpret the results of LFTs. They will consider your symptoms and other factors to determine the cause of any abnormalities. ^10
Beyond Blood Tests: Other Diagnostic Methods
While LFTs are the cornerstone of liver health assessment, other diagnostic tools may be used:
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRIs can provide detailed images of your liver, revealing structural abnormalities like scarring or tumors. [^3, ^8]
- Liver Biopsy: In some cases, a small sample of liver tissue may be taken for microscopic examination. This procedure, a liver biopsy, involves inserting a fine needle into the liver to extract a tissue sample. ^3 This is typically only done when other tests indicate a problem requiring more detailed investigation.
Importance of Professional Assessment
It's crucial to remember that you cannot reliably assess your liver health independently. While online quizzes or home tests might offer some general information, they are not substitutes for a professional medical evaluation. ^10 If you are concerned about your liver health, consult a doctor. They can conduct the appropriate tests and provide accurate diagnosis and treatment.
[^1]: Liver function tests are blood tests used to help find the cause of your symptoms and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. 12-Sept-2023
