Complete Liver Function tests

To assess the health and function of the liver, the following tests are available at our centre:

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Purpose: Measure levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and substances in the blood to evaluate liver function.
Common Tests:

• Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): Elevated levels can indicate liver inflammation or damage.
• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Elevated levels can suggest liver disease or muscle damage.
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): High levels may indicate liver disease, bile duct obstruction, or bone disorders.
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT): Elevated levels can be associated with liver disease, bile duct problems, or alcohol consumption.
• Bilirubin: Measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood; elevated levels can indicate liver dysfunction or bile duct obstruction.
• Albumin: Assesses liver’s ability to produce proteins; low levels may indicate liver disease or malnutrition.

Hepatitis Tests

Purpose: Detect and diagnose hepatitis infections caused by different hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, E).
Common Tests:

• Hepatitis A Antibody Test: Detects past or recent infection with hepatitis A virus.
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg): Indicates active infection with hepatitis B virus.
• Hepatitis C Antibody Test (Anti-HCV): Identifies exposure to hepatitis C virus.
• Hepatitis D Antibody Test: Detects infection with hepatitis D virus, which requires hepatitis B infection to occur.

FibroScan (Transient Elastography)

Purpose: Measure liver stiffness to assess the degree of liver fibrosis (scarring).
Uses: Evaluate the extent of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis; monitor the progression of liver diseases like hepatitis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Liver Ultrasound

Purpose: Use sound waves to create images of the liver and surrounding structures.
Uses: Detect liver abnormalities, such as tumors, cysts, or fatty deposits; guide biopsies or other procedures; monitor liver conditions.

Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) Test

Purpose: Measure levels of AFP, a protein produced by the liver.
Uses: Screen for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) or monitor treatment response in patients with liver cancer.

Prothrombin Time (PT) and International Normalised Ratio (INR)

Purpose: Assess the liver’s ability to produce clotting factors.
Uses: Evaluate liver function related to blood clotting; monitor patients on anticoagulant therapy; diagnose liver disease or vitamin K deficiency.