The liver is a vital organ located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, beneath the diaphragm. It aids in digestion, metabolism, and elimination of toxins from the body. The liver is also involved in glucose synthesis and storage and regulation of red blood cells. Liver Function tests (LFTs), also known as liver panel test, are blood tests that assess liver function by measuring the levels of various substances produced by the liver. These include proteins, enzymes, and metabolic byproducts.

Getting an LFT test in Bangalore can help screen for various liver diseases. It can be done to check if the presenting symptoms are due to liver disease or damage. If liver disease is diagnosed, LFTs help to determine the severity of the disease. The test is useful for routine monitoring of existing liver disease and the response to ongoing treatment. LFTs are also performed to monitor the side effects of some medications known to affect the liver. LFT values can determine the presence of hepatitis (liver inflammation) and check whether it is related to alcohol intake or other causes (such as metabolic), impairment in liver function, or flow of bile (greenish-yellow fluid secreted by the liver), the site of damage (the liver itself or the bile ducts) and its extent.

Before undergoing Liver Function test in Bangalore, it is important to bear in mind the following factors:

• Prerequisites: The LFTs do not require any major preparation. Usually, the test does not involve any fasting. However, you may be advised by your doctor to fast for 10 to 12 hours before taking the test. Ask your healthcare provider if you must avoid any foods or medicines that may interfere with your test results.

• The best time to get tested: The LFT test can be taken at any time during the day.

• Eligibility for the LFT test: Individuals who may be eligible for an LFT test include those with symptoms of liver damage or disease. Those without symptoms but at high risk for liver damage due to factors such as obesity, diabetes, hepatitis from injury or infection, alcohol use, or a family history of liver disease, should also get tested. For individuals with liver disease, LFTs are done to monitor the condition and response to ongoing treatment.

• Cautions before taking the LFT test: Before getting an LFT test at home, you are required to inform your doctor about any existing illnesses or medicines you may be taking that can affect your liver enzymes and protein levels.

The LFT test provides valuable insights into liver function and overall health. Here are some reasons why you might need an LFT test:

Routine Checkups: Your healthcare provider may include LFTs as part of your routine checkup. This screening helps to detect early signs of liver disease or dysfunction, allowing for prompt intervention and management.

Symptoms of Liver Issues: Experiencing symptoms like nausea, lack of appetite, fatigue, or jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes) could indicate liver problems. Other signs include abdominal swelling or pain, swelling in the legs, dark urine and/or light-coloured stool, or persistent itching. These symptoms necessitate LFTs to evaluate liver health and identify potential issues.

High-Risk Factors: Certain factors increase your risk of liver damage, warranting regular testing even in the absence of symptoms. If you have a family history of liver disease, face challenges with alcohol use disorder (AUD), are obese, diabetic, or take medications known to affect liver function, you may need regular monitoring with LFTs. Additionally, individuals with hepatitis or a history of hepatitis from infection or injury require diligent screening due to the heightened risk of liver inflammation and damage.

For those already diagnosed with liver disease, regular testing becomes essential for monitoring the progress of the condition and assessing the effectiveness of treatment. Whether managing hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or other liver disorders, routine testing helps healthcare providers adjust treatment plans to optimize liver health.

Thus, LFTs enable early diagnosis, monitoring, and management of liver diseases.

Understanding the results of the Liver Function test at home involves interpreting the levels of various parameters based on their normal range. Here's a breakdown of the normal range for each parameter of LFTs:

Any LFT results outside the normal range may be indicative of different liver conditions, such as hepatitis, liver damage, cirrhosis, or fatty liver disease. In general, abnormal LFT results may be suggestive of the following situations:

• Impaired liver function either due to liver injury or damage.

• Inflammation of the liver, known as hepatitis, results from factors such as alcohol use or infection.

• Issues with bile ducts, which are crucial for transporting bile from the liver to the intestine.

• Potential liver damage caused by medications.