The proper functioning of the liver can be determined by a series of special blood tests. Thanks to these tests, problems such as acute and chronic liver diseases, hepatitis, cholestasis (biliary obstruction) can be easily diagnosed.
What are Liver Tests?
The most frequently performed blood tests are:
Serum Bilirubin - High bilirubin levels can often indicate an obstruction of bile flow or a malfunction in the processing of bile by the liver. Bilirubin is produced by the liver and excreted in the bile.
Serum Albumin - Subnormal levels of albumin, a protein produced by the liver, are associated with many chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis.
Serum Alkaline Phosphatase - High alkaline phosphatase (an enzyme found in bile) levels usually indicate an obstruction in bile flow, liver damage or some cancers.
Serum Aminotransferase (transaminase, SGOT, SGPT) - These enzymes are secreted from damaged liver cells. It contains ALT (SGPT) and AST (SGOT). In the case of hepatitis, its levels (especially ALT) are elevated.
Prothrombin Time (PT) - This test measures the time it takes for the blood to clot. For blood to clot, vitamin K and a protein produced by the liver (prothrombin) are needed. Liver cell damage and biliary flow obstruction can prevent the blood from clotting properly.
Gamma - glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) - This enzyme enters the bloodstream when the liver is particularly damaged by alcohol or in biliary obstruction.
Alpha - fetoprotein (AFP) - This protein indicates liver cancer, chronic liver diseases.
Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA) - Presence of these antibodies can indicate primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis and other autoimmune disorders.
Virus tests
HAV IgM, HEV It is used to detect active infection caused by IgM - Hepatitis A and E virus. The presence of Anti HCV - HCV virus is determined. The amount of proliferation of HCV - RNA - HCV virus is determined. The presence of HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is detected. Anti - Shows immunity to HBs Hepatitis B virus infection.
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