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( Liver function tests)
Liver function tests (LFTs or LFs), which include liver enzymes, are groups of clinical biochemistry laboratory blood assays designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. Most liver diseases cause only mild symptoms initially, but it is vital that these diseases be detected early. Hepatic (liver) involvement in some diseases can be of crucial importance. This testing is performed by a medical technologist on a patient's serum or plasma sample obtained by phlebotomy. Some tests are associated with functionality (e.g. albumin); some with cellular integrity (e.g. transaminase) and some with conditions linked to the biliary tract (gamma-glutamyl transferase and alkaline phosphatase). Total bilirubin (TBIL) || Bilirubin is a breakdown product of heme (a part of haemoglobin in red blood cells). The liver is responsible for clearing the blood of bilirubin. It does this by the following mechanism bilirubin is taken up into hepatocytes, conjugated (modified to make it water-soluble), and secreted into the bile, which is excreted into the intestine. Increased total bilirubin causes jaundice, and can signal a number of problems such as the following Prehepatic Increased bilirubin, This can be due to a number of causes, including hemolytic anemias and internal hemorrhage. Hepatic Problems with the liver, which are reflected as deficiencies in bilirubin. Metabolism reduced, impaired conjugation of bilirubin, and reduced hepatocyte secretion of bilirubi. Some examples would be cirrhosis and viral hepatitis. Posthepatic Obstruction of the bile ducts. 5' nucleotidase is another test specific for cholestasis or damage to the intra or extrahepatic biliary system, and in some laboratories, is used as a substitute for GGT for ascertaining whether an elevated ALP is of biliary or extra-biliary origin.
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Liver function tests Subcategories
Liver function tests Articles
Liver Function Tests: So Mysterious, But So Important. by George McKenzie
The liver is the second largest organ in the human body (only the skin is bigger). The liver is also one of the most important organs, because it performs dozens of tasks that are critical to human health. Since most liver diseases cause only mild sy...
Hep Forte - Liver Health by Nutrovita1 Nutrovita1
HEP FORTE
Our liver is capable of breaking down and neutralizing a myriad of substances in enormous quantities. However, if toxins continually overload it, detoxification may be difficult and incomplete. These toxins can suppress the immune s...
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