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CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE NOWUnderstanding Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
A Liver Function Test (LFT) is a group of blood tests that help determine how well your liver is working. These tests measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or released by the liver. If your liver is damaged or inflamed, these levels can change, providing a crucial "clue" to your internal health.
1. Why Are LFTs Done?
LFTs are essential for detecting conditions like fatty liver, hepatitis, or general liver damage. They are also used to monitor the progress of ongoing liver conditions, check if certain medications or alcohol are harming the organ, and help diagnose symptoms like jaundice, persistent fatigue, or abdominal pain.
2. Key Enzymes (ALT & AST)
ALT (Alanine Transaminase) is an enzyme found mainly in the liver; high levels often indicate liver cell damage. AST (Aspartate Transaminase) is another enzyme found in the liver and muscles. While a high AST can mean liver injury, it isn't as specific to the liver as ALT.
3. Bile Duct & Protein Markers
Tests like ALP and GGT help detect issues with bile flow or alcohol-related damage. Meanwhile, Albumin and Total Protein levels show the liver's ability to produce essential proteins. Low levels of these can suggest a weakened liver that isn't performing its building-block duties effectively.
4. Reading the Results
Normal ranges vary, but generally:
• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L
• AST: 10 to 40 U/L
• Bilirubin: 0.1 to 1.2 mg/dL
One or two abnormal results don't always mean disease—doctors look for patterns across all markers and your symptoms to provide a proper diagnosis.
💡 Key Takeaway: LFTs are a simple but powerful window into your liver's health. Always follow up with your doctor to interpret these results in the context of your overall medical history!
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