| The liver is the second largest organ in the human | | | | albumin test and the serum globulin test. |
| body (only the skin is bigger). The liver is also one | | | | Serum albumin is the main protein in blood plasma. |
| of the most important organs, because it | | | | A decrease in the serum albumin level may |
| performs dozens of tasks that are critical to | | | | indicate chronic liver disease. Serum albumin can |
| human health. Since most liver diseases cause | | | | also be decreased in other conditions like kidney |
| only mild symptoms in the early stages, it's vital | | | | disorders and malnutrition. |
| to detect these diseases early. | | | | The serum globulin test measures the three |
| Basically, liver function tests, which are also | | | | types of globulins (globulins contain most of the |
| routinely called "LFTs," assess the overall health | | | | antibodies of the blood): alpha, beta and gamma. |
| and the anatomical integrity of liver. LFTs include | | | | The liver synthesizes the first two and the cells |
| measurements of albumin, various liver enzymes, | | | | of the immune system synthesize the gamma |
| bilirubin, cholesterol and total protein. All of these | | | | globulin. In liver disorders, the alpha and the beta |
| tests can be performed at the same time. | | | | globulin are decreased and the gamma globulin |
| Liver function tests are generally divided into four | | | | levels are significantly increased. The normal |
| categories. | | | | albumin globulin ratio is reversed. |
| 1) Tests based on the detoxification and | | | | 4) Other tests might include ultrasonography and |
| excretory functions. The serum bilirubin test is | | | | biopsy. Ultrasonography is done as the first test |
| typical. Bilirubin is an orange-colored substance in | | | | for diagnosing obstructive jaundice. It is also done |
| bile produced by the breakdown of red blood cells. | | | | in cases of gall stone disease and detecting lesions |
| When bilirubin levels are high, a condition called | | | | in the liver. Along with Doppler, it is used to |
| jaundice occurs. Too much bilirubin is usually due | | | | assess the condition of the blood vessels. |
| to increased destruction of red blood cells | | | | Biopsy is done through the skin (sometimes with |
| (hemolysis) or because the liver can no longer | | | | the ultrasonographic guidance) in cases of liver |
| remove bilirubin in a timely manner. | | | | disease of uncertain cause. Biopsy can also |
| 2) Tests that detect damage to the liver | | | | uncover suspected cancers, enlarged liver and |
| structure. There are a number of enzymes in the | | | | enlarged spleen. |
| liver. Elevated liver enzymes indicate that there is | | | | In summary, liver function tests evaluate a wide |
| damage to the liver cells, or that there is an | | | | range of normal tasks performed by the liver. But |
| obstruction to bile flow. | | | | a reliable diagnosis also depends on a complete |
| 3) Tests based on bio-synthetic functions. These | | | | history and complete physical examination in |
| liver function tests typically include the serum | | | | addition to the test themselves. |