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