Did you know that your liver is one of the most important organs in your body? It is responsible for a variety of functions, including filtering toxins from the blood, producing bile to help digest food, and storing energy in the form of glycogen. The liver is also responsible for a variety of essential functions, including:
– Detoxifying the body
– Producing bile
– Storing glucose
– Regulating blood clotting
– Producing proteins
Because the liver is important to keep it healthy by ensuring that your liver function is normal. One way to do this is to get regular liver function tests (LFTs). Liver function tests can help to identify problems with the liver, including:
– Infection
– Inflammation
– Damage from toxins
– Cancer
LFT is a blood test that checks how well your liver is working. It can help find out if you have a liver disease or if a medicine you’re taking is affecting your liver. There are a few reasons why someone might get a Liver Function Test. The most common reason is to check for liver damage caused by alcohol abuse. Other reasons to get a LFT include:
– Testing for hepatitis A, B, and C
-Checking the function of your liver before and after surgery
– Diagnosing and monitoring liver cancer -Detecting and monitoring gallstones
– Determining the cause of unexplained weight loss or jaundice
– Genetic conditions, such as alpha1 antitrypsin deficiency
– Medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
LFTs are also used to monitor people who are receiving treatment for hepatitis C and to monitor the progress of a liver disease or treatment plan. In people with hepatitis C, the LFTs can help doctors see how well the treatment is working. LFTs are typically recommended for people who have symptoms that could indicate a problem with their liver, such as fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin and eyes), and swelling in the abdomen.
They are also recommended for people who have risk factors for liver disease, such as obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol. Especially, during the menstrual cycle – many women find that their LFTs vary depending on where they are in their cycle. For example, levels of certain proteins such as albumin and globulin can be higher during the luteal phase (the second half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation).
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to see your doctor and ask for a Liver Function Test. Early diagnosis of liver problems can help prevent further damage to the liver.
If you are scheduled for a LFT, it is important to do fasting for at least 8 hours before the test. This means not eating or drinking anything except water. San antonio liver function testing physicians are available 24/7 to support you through your LFT test. Whether you’re a first-time patient or have been seen at our clinic before, our team is dedicated to providing you with the best possible care. We understand that the LFT can be a stressful test, and our physicians are here to provide you with support and guidance every step of the way.
