Advanced Medical Lab in Sharjah : Biotech Medical Lab | Liver Function tests: How they save lives?

Biotech Medical Lab (BML) is one of the advanced medical lab in Sharjah, offering advanced diagnostic services. With advanced technology and a commitment to precision, BML is dedicated to providing accurate and reliable medical testing, contributing to the forefront of healthcare in the region.

Liver function tests are blood tests that can help assess the health of your liver, the largest organ in your body. The liver performs many vital functions, such as filtering toxins from the blood, producing proteins and hormones, and storing energy. Liver function tests measure the levels of certain enzymes, proteins, and substances that the liver produces or clears from the blood. By comparing these levels to normal ranges, doctors can detect signs of liver damage, disease, or infection. Liver function tests can save lives by allowing early diagnosis and treatment of liver problems, which can prevent serious complications and improve the quality of life.

Usually doctors require other tests to confirm a diagnosis after a LFT. LFT results are affected by various factors like medications, supplements, alcohol, exercise, pregnancy, and infections. So doctors take into account the patients’ medical history, physical examination and conduct other tests such as MRI scans or UG scans to arrive at accurate diagnosis of the condition. Advanced medical diagnostic labs in Sharjah like the BML are capable of providing accurate blood test results in less time, which are helpful for doctors to pivot their diagnoses at crossroads of inference.

LFT usually involve these 5 tests:

Liver enzymes test: This test measures the levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the blood. These enzymes are normally present in low amounts, but they can increase when the liver is injured or inflamed. The pattern and degree of elevation can indicate the type and extent of liver damage.Total protein test: This test measures the levels of albumin and total protein in the blood. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. Total protein is the sum of all the proteins in the blood, including albumin and other proteins made by the liver and other organs. Low levels of albumin and total protein can mean that the liver is not functioning well or that there is a problem with protein loss or malnutrition.Bilirubin test: This test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that results from the breakdown of red blood cells. The liver normally clears bilirubin from the blood and excretes it in bile, a fluid that helps digest fats. High levels of bilirubin can mean that the liver is not clearing it properly or that there is a blockage in the bile ducts. This can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes.LDH test: This test measures the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the blood. LDH is an enzyme found in many tissues, including the liver. High levels of LDH can mean that there is tissue damage or disease, such as liver cancer or hepatitis.Prothrombin time (PT) test: This test measures how long it takes for the blood to clot, a process that involves proteins called clotting factors that are produced by the liver. A prolonged PT can mean that the liver is not making enough clotting factors or that there is a problem with the clotting system, or a vitamin K deficiency affecting coagulation.

Abnormal ranges of the test results can mean different things depending on the context, the symptoms, and the medical history of the person. Some possible causes and interpretations of abnormal results are:

Elevated liver enzymes: This can indicate liver inflammation, infection, injury, or disease, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver, or liver cancer. The ratio of AST to ALT can also provide clues to the cause of liver damage. For example, a ratio of more than 2:1 can suggest alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio of less than 1:1 can suggest viral hepatitis.Low albumin and total protein: This can indicate liver dysfunction, protein loss, malnutrition, or kidney disease. Low albumin can also cause edema, a swelling of the body due to fluid accumulation.High bilirubin: This can indicate liver dysfunction, bile duct obstruction, hemolysis, or genetic disorders. High bilirubin can cause jaundice, itching, and dark urine.High LDH: This can indicate liver damage, disease, or cancer, as well as other conditions that affect other tissues, such as heart attack, stroke, or hemolytic anemia.Prolonged PT: This can indicate liver dysfunction, vitamin K deficiency, or anticoagulant therapy. Prolonged PT can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising.

Liver function tests are important tools to diagnose and monitor various liver diseases or damage, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Viruses, toxins, or autoimmune disorders cause hepatitis, which is an inflammation of the liver. Cirrhosis is scar tissue of the liver due to chronic liver damage. Liver cancer is a malignant growth of abnormal cells in the liver. These diseases can cause serious complications and affect the quality of life of the affected person. However, by performing liver function tests regularly, doctors can detect signs of liver problems early and provide appropriate treatment. This can prevent or delay the progression of liver diseases, reduce the risk of complications, and improve the survival rate and outcome of the person. Therefore, liver function tests can save lives by allowing early diagnosis and intervention of liver problems. To get the most reliable results for your liver function tests in time, you should visit the Best Medical Diagnostics Lab in Sharjah, the BML, which the hospitals and expert private consultation doctors in Sharjah trust the most for pinpoint diagnoses. For more details visit our website : https://biotechshj.ae/