You can have your liver values tested with a simple blood test. A liver function test measures the enzymes and substances that show how your liver is doing. That is especially valuable because liver problems cause no symptoms for a long time: a blood test is often the first signal (Younossi et al., 2016).
Below you will read which values are included, when testing makes sense, and how to check your liver values yourself.
What is a liver function test?
A liver function test is a blood test that measures several liver values at once. Together they give a picture of liver cell damage, bile duct function and your liver's production function. The individual values each tell part of the story, the pattern tells the rest.
Which values are in a liver function test?
A complete liver function test usually contains:
- ALAT and ASAT - for liver cell damage, with the ASAT/ALAT ratio as a compass (Botros & Sikaris, 2013)
- Gamma-GT - sensitive to alcohol and bile ducts
- Alkaline phosphatase - for bile ducts and bones
- Bilirubin - for bile breakdown and flow
- Albumin - for longer-term protein production
What each value means exactly is in understanding liver values.
When is it useful to have your liver values tested?
A test can be useful if you drink alcohol regularly, are overweight, take medications that strain the liver, or as part of a general health check. If you have symptoms such as persistent fatigue or pain in the upper right of your abdomen, consult your doctor. A test does not replace medical advice, but does give objective information (Kwo et al., 2017).
Testing your liver values yourself: how does it work?
At Vital Check you choose the liver function test online, schedule a blood draw at a location near you, and receive your result digitally. A doctor reviews your results, so you get not just numbers but also an explanation of what they mean.
How do you read the result?
Your result shows your values alongside the lab's reference ranges. A value just outside the range is rarely immediately concerning; the pattern and any repeat test weigh more heavily. For questions or abnormalities, the reviewing doctor helps you further.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to fast for a liver function test?
For ALAT, ASAT and gamma-GT, strictly speaking no. If glucose and cholesterol are measured at the same time, fasting is advised. In all cases, avoid alcohol for at least 48 hours beforehand.
Can I have my liver values tested without a doctor?
Yes, you can request a liver function test yourself. With abnormalities or symptoms, it is wise to discuss the result with your doctor for the right next steps.
How often should I have my liver values checked?
That depends on your situation and any risk factors. If in doubt, discuss the frequency with your doctor; for a healthy adult without symptoms, periodic measurement is usually enough.
References
- Younossi ZM, et al. Global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - meta-analytic assessment of prevalence, incidence, and outcomes. Hepatology. 2016. PubMed
- Botros M, Sikaris KA. The de Ritis ratio: the test of time. Clinical Biochemist Reviews. 2013. PubMed
- Kwo PY, et al. ACG Clinical Guideline: Evaluation of Abnormal Liver Chemistries. American Journal of Gastroenterology. 2017. PubMed
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