Liver profile (liver function test)

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Test Details for Ordering
Test Liver profile (liver function test)
Laboratory TDL
Price £38.00
Bloods Yes
To order this test, please, go to Ordering Tests.

Please, make sure you have read When not to use this website to ascertain whether having this test is an appropriate and safe course of action for you.


DESCRIPTION

These tests are also included in Biochemistry.

This test looks for bilirubin levels in the blood (jaundice) and enzyme levels, in particular

  • alkaline phosphatase (ALP),
  • aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
  • alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and
  • Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT);

It also measures protein levels, albumin and globulin.

These measurements are a crude test of liver function and would be abnormal if there was liver inflammation (such as infection), or auto-immunity, toxic damage (e.g. alcohol and drugs), gall bladder disease, advanced cancer and/or severe heart failure, i.e. serious disease. I might do this test if I was monitoring administration of a toxic drug.

Any abnormality needs further investigation by your doctor.

More sensitive tests of liver function can be done by Biolab with their Toxic Effects Screen.

A completely normal test does not necessarily mean the liver is functioning completely normally. The liver undertakes many thousands of biochemical reactions, all requiring enzymes. The above tests look at just a few such enzymes.

SAMPLE

This test is performed on a blood sample.

KIT

The kit for this test includes a serum blood tube, packaging materials for transporting the blood sample(s) in the post, a request form and a pre-paid envelope for sending the sample to the laboratory.

INSTRUCTIONS

To complete the test: have the blood taken and put in the blood tube (see blood letting information), make sure that your name and date of birth are clearly marked on the tube. Check that your details are correct on the request form. Using the packaging materials provided prepare the sample for posting in the pre-paid addressed envelope. Please, make sure that the request form is sent along with the samples. Post on a week-day.


Please note that there is an additional interpretation fee for my letter to your GP. See Ordering Tests for more details.
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