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20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL

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Liver Function Test

The liver is essential to overall well-being. Therefore, maintaining a healthy and fully functioning liver is vital for your present health as well as preventing future illnesses.

Our Clinic’s liver function tests aim to detect liver disorders or damage and may also track your body’s response to treatments. If your test results show any abnormalities, our GPs will discuss the next treatment steps or any additional testing that may be needed.

Generally, liver function tests help identify different kinds of liver disorders, assess the extent of liver damage, and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. Medical professionals can also use the test to track liver health while you are on specific medications.

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Liver Disease Symptoms

Liver disease symptoms are not always visible, and there are no noticeable signs until the condition becomes serious. Because of this, regular testing is essential. However, some common symptoms that may be visible include:

  • Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin)
  • Abdominal pain
  • Swelling in the legs and ankles
  • Itching skin
  • Dark urine
  • Pale stools
  • Severe fatigue
  • Appetite loss
  • Easy bruising

Additional symptoms can include confusion and Spider Angiomas (small, spider-like blood vessels that appear on the skin). These angiomas are often noticeable in individuals with advanced liver disease.

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Condition Causing Liver Disease

Several factors can contribute to liver disease; the most prevalent causes are:

  • Viral infections: Hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E can cause inflammation and damage to the liver.
  • Genetics and family history: Disorders such as Wilson’s disease (copper accumulation), hemochromatosis (too much iron build-up), and alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency may cause liver damage.
  • Alcohol-related liver disease: Too much alcohol consumption can result in alcoholic hepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cirrhosis with time.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis: With this condition, the immune system can accidentally attack liver cells, leading to inflammation and damage.
  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Linked to diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, this condition involves fat build-up in the liver unrelated to alcohol consumption.
  • Drug-induced liver injury: Some drugs, herbal supplements, and toxins can damage the liver.
  • Liver cancer: Hepatocellular carcinoma (primary liver cancer) and metastatic liver cancer (cancers spreading to the liver) can impair liver function.
  • Cirrhosis: Advanced scarring of the liver, frequently triggered by chronic liver conditions such as alcohol abuse and hepatitis.

Have more questions?

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Liver Function Test Results

Normal liver function test results are often categorized in the following ranges:

  • ALT (Alanine Transaminase): 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L)
  • AST (Aspartate Transaminase): 8 to 48 U/L

For context, a typical AST range in adults is normally up to 36 U/L. Elevated ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) levels can suggest liver inflammation, bile duct blockages, or bone disease. If the levels of ALT, ALP, and bilirubin are also high, it might be a sign of liver damage.

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When to Get Tested

It’s advisable to get tested regularly for liver conditions, as some do not cause any noticeable symptoms. A check-up can help ensure you don’t have an undiagnosed disorder or imbalance that might result in liver disease.

We may recommend liver function testing if you are taking medication, whether for a liver condition or another health issue. Furthermore, we can use the test to monitor how well your body responds to the treatment and assess how the medication affects your liver and overall health.

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We are open

Monday to Thursday 9am to 6pm

Friday 8am to 5pm

Saturday & Sunday by Appointment Only

Call Us

020 7183 2362

E-Mail Us

[email protected]

Address

20 Old Brompton Road, South Kensington, London SW7 3DL