How many liver levels are there

In general, if your results indicate a problem with your liver function, your doctor will review your medications and your past medical history to help determine the cause. Your doctor may decide to test you for hepatitis, other infections, or other diseases that can affect the liver.

They may also choose to do imaging, like an ultrasound or CT scan. They may recommend a liver biopsy to evaluate the liver for fibrosis, fatty liver disease, or other liver conditions.

Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, is a broad term that describes the buildup of fats in the liver. Too much fat in the liver can cause liver…. Learn about liver cancer symptoms, types, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Damage to the liver from excessive drinking can lead to ARLD. Years of alcohol abuse cause the liver to become inflamed and swollen. The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase test measures the amount of an important liver enzyme in your blood. Read on to learn more about the test and what….

The liver produces and clears cholesterol in the body. Learn how liver damage can affect cholesterol and what treatments you can explore. An alkaline phosphatase level test can help identify health concerns in your liver, gallbladder, and more. When your body has too much bilirubin, your skin and the whites of your eyes will….

A liver metastasis is a cancerous tumor that has spread to the liver from another place in the body. It is also called secondary liver cancer. Dementia is a condition that is more common in elderly adults. It involves a decline in your ability to think, or cognition, and your memory. Here's what you need to know about fasting before a blood test, including how long to fast for and if you can drink coffee. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Liver Function Tests. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

What are the most common liver function tests? Why do I need a liver function test? What are the symptoms of a liver disorder? How to prepare for a liver function test.

How a liver function test is performed. The risks of a liver function test. A doctor may recommend the following treatments for acute hepatitis:. Anyone who feels as though their alcohol or drug use is causing health problems or interfering with their everyday life should speak to their doctor. Cirrhosis is permanent liver damage, so it is not always treatable. However, the underlying cause of liver damage is usually responsive to treatment. The conditions that we discussed above may all lead to cirrhosis.

Treatments such as a modified diet, weight loss, and reduced alcohol consumption can all reduce the risk of further liver damage. The prompt diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the liver can help prevent cirrhosis. Elevated liver enzymes are a sign that a person has an inflamed or damaged liver. Many conditions may cause liver inflammation or damage. Doctors use a blood test to check for elevated liver enzymes.

They may test anyone with symptoms of one of the conditions that they know to raise liver enzyme levels. Once they make a diagnosis, the doctor will recommend suitable treatments. Fatty liver disease is the most common cause of elevated liver damage.

People with fatty liver disease can manage their condition by losing weight, if necessary, or reducing their alcohol consumption. Other causes of liver inflammation are also treatable.

Elevated liver enzymes are usually a temporary sign. Some foods and drinks can help protect liver health. Learn more about the foods and drinks that are good for liver health here.

Hemangiomas of the liver are the most common type of benign liver tumor. Liver hemangiomas rarely cause symptoms, although large or multiple….

Liver metastases occur when cancer spreads to the liver from another part of the body. Diagnosis may involve ultrasound. Prognosis depends on how far…. Liver cysts are abnormal growths that can develop in the liver. They are uncommon, and most people with liver cysts do not have symptoms.

LD is released into the blood when cells have been damaged by disease or injury. Prothrombin time PT , a protein involved in blood clotting. Other names: liver panel, liver function panel, liver profile hepatic function panel, LFT. What are they used for? Liver function tests are most often used to: Help diagnose liver diseases, such as hepatitis Monitor treatment of liver disease. These tests can show how well the treatment is working.

Check how badly a liver has been damaged or scarred by disease, such as cirrhosis Monitor side effects of certain medicines. Why do I need liver function testing? You may need liver function testing if you have symptoms of liver disease. These include: Jaundice , a condition that causes your skin and eyes to turn yellow Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Abdominal pain Dark-colored urine Light-colored stool Fatigue You may also need these tests if you have certain risk factors.

You may be at higher risk for liver disease if you: Have a family history of liver disease Have alcohol use disorder, a condition in which you have difficulty controlling how much you drink Think you have been exposed to a hepatitis virus Take medicines that may cause liver damage. What happens during a liver function test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? Liver damage can be caused by a number of different conditions, including: Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Alcohol use disorder, which includes alcoholism. Liver cancer Diabetes If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Is there anything else I need to know about liver function tests?