What Are Liver Test Strips and How Do They Work?

Liver test strips are at-home diagnostic tools designed to detect key liver-related biomarkers in your urine. It offers a non-invasive way to monitor and keep your liver in check. The strips provide a convenient alternative to traditional blood-based tests. It helps you track potential issues regarding your liver health without going to visit any lab, clinic, or facilities. Considering that nearly half of people with acute liver problems show no symptoms at all, having regular testing even at home can help catch the problem early.

Liver test strips can also be an early detection tool, which can prove to be valuable for people who are conscious about their health and also for those who want to be a proactive part of healthcare. In general, these at-home test kits work by chemical reaction with compounds present in the urine like bilirubin, urobilinogen, and rarely ketones.

So, when these strips are dipped into the urine sample, the colors change depending on the concentration of the biomarkers present in the urine. When the color change is detected, it is interpreted on a given colored chart, which can either be through a subscription-based app or part of the kit you bought. While these tools are not a substitute for professional testing, they can help as an initial screening tool in detecting abnormalities, which eventually leads to early medical consultation.

Key Takeaways

• Liver test strips detect bilirubin, urobilinogen, and ketones in the urine to monitor liver health

• They are quick and non-invasive but should not be used as replacement for diagnostic tests

• Results are affected by user error, storage, and strip quality; less reliable than traditional blood tests

• Abnormal results or symptoms like jaundice or other liver-related symptoms require medical follow-up

• Its usage is limited as it cannot detect all liver biomarkers like ALT and AST; so professional evaluation is still equally important

What Do Liver Test Strips Test For?

Liver test strips test for bilirubin, urobilinogen, and ketones in urine, which may indicate liver function issues. Each of the mentioned biomarkers can offer clues about how well your liver is working. They can also reveal some important clues whether the liver is under any acute stress. Here’s the breakdown of what the test kits measure:

• Bilirubin–a yellow pigment formed when red blood cells are broken down

• Urobilinogen–a byproduct of bilirubin processed by the intestines

• Ketones–molecule released when the body is breaking down fat for energy utilization

What is Bilirubin and Why is it Important for Liver Health?

Bilirubin is a waste product generated when old red blood cells are broken down in the liver. Normally, the liver processes bilirubin and excretes it in bile. So when it shows up in the urine, it could suggest that the liver is not processing it properly. This condition is called bilirubinuria. It may be a result of conditions affecting primarily the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, and bile duct obstruction.

You can think of bilirubin as a toxic garbage that the liver takes out on a regular basis. If the garbage ends up in your urine then it suggests that something is going wrong with the disposal system appropriate for it, which is the liver.

What is Urobilinogen and What Does it Indicate?

Urobilinogen forms in the intestines from bilirubin and is partly reabsorbed into the bloodstream. It can be present in the urine for small amounts. But when it is increased or absent, it may point to liver dysfunction, issues with bile production, or even primary problems in the blood like hemolytic anemia. It may also occur when you have problems with bile production.

• Normal: Range is between 0.1-1.8 mg/dL

• Elevated levels may suggest cirrhosis or hepatitis but correlation with symptoms must always be considered

• Low or absent levels may indicate bile duct obstruction as it should normally be present in the urine

How Do Ketones Relate to Liver Function?

Ketones are primarily related to diabetes or fasting. So how does it relate to liver function when it appears in the urine? Ketones can still appear in liver-related metabolic conditions. Their presence, usually used in conjunction with bilirubin or urobilinogen, may strengthen the suspicion that your liver is under stress or is in the state of malfunctioning.

How Accurate Are Liver Test Strips?

Liver test strips are moderately accurate for screening but far less reliable than blood tests. This is the reason why you need to be careful when interpreting the results that you get from test strips. Test kits offer rapid results, which adds to its convenience. And, they can be useful for initial assessments. However, the accuracy of these test kits are compromised for several reasons:

• User error especially in timing or interpretation

• Unchecked strips for expiry or improperly stored kits

• Variations in hydration or diet, which could affect concentration of urine

Therefore, it goes without saying that liver test strips should not replace professional medical diagnostics. Normal results don’t guarantee the absence of liver disease. And, abnormal results (particularly isolated ones) don’t necessarily mean you have a liver problem outright. It is still best to get a professional medical opinion.

What Factors Affect the Accuracy of Liver Test Strips?

Several factors can influence the accuracy of your test results, including:

• Storage conditions–keep strips in a cool, dry place

• Expiration date–always check the test kit’s expiry; if it is expired, discard it properly and do not use it anymore

• Sample contamination–when the strips have been contaminated, the results are also affected. It is best to keep it in clear, sterile containers before usage

• Timing errors–Follow timing instructions precisely; most test kits come with clear instructions

• Color misinterpretation–the results could be underestimated or overestimated according to your subjective interpretation of the colors; to help reduce this error, always read the results under bright light and read results promptly

Do not leave your test strips for long before you read them as this will also increase the risk of wrong result interpretation.

How Do Liver Test Strips Compare to Blood Tests for Liver Function?

Urine liver test strips are best for fast initial screenings. But you should not rely on it for diagnosis or when medical opinion is required. Blood tests remain as the gold standard for the accurate screening for liver issues.

How to Use Liver Test Strips at Home

Dip the strip in the urine sample, wait for time as instructed in the product kit, and compare the colors to the chart promptly. It’s that simple to use liver test strips at home. But, you need to pay attention to details to ensure reliable test results.

Follow these simple steps:

STEP 1: Collect a midstream, clean catch urine sample in a sterile container (most test kits come with sterile container but you can buy from your nearest drugstore as well)

STEP 2: Dip the test strip, ensuring that the test areas have been submerged to the urine. Wait for the time indicated on the test kits’ instructions (e.g., how many seconds you’re going to have to wait before removing it from the sample)

STEP 3: Gently remove and tap the strip at the side of containers to remove excess urine.

STEP 4: Wait for the time specified for the kit to react with the urine (typically 30-60 seconds)

STEP 5: Compare the test strip to the color chart provided or on your phone if it is app-based (typically subscription is required for this)

STEP 6: Record your results and consider sharing them to your primary care physician (PCP)

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Liver Test Strips

• Not checking the expiration date or using expired test strips

• Failed to observe the correct time as directed by the kit instructions

• Storing the test kits in areas prone to humidity, moisture, and contamination

• Dipping the test strip in the sample for too long or partially dipping the test area in the sample

• Subjective interpretation of the colors or reading the results under dark light

Before buying any test kit, read reviews and do your own research. More often, users state common avoidable mistakes so you can prevent them from happening. Also, make sure that you understand how the test kit works.

How to Interpret Liver Test Strip Results?

Compare the test strip colors to the chart that comes with the kit or on the app that you have subscribed to and see whether the results are within normal limits or not. Each biomarker has its own normal limits. Variations can provide valuable clues.

What Do Normal and Abnormal Results Mean?

Important to note: Even with normal results, it does not automatically rule out any liver issues or problems. You might want to consider consulting your PCP to help you with the interpretation or further testing if necessary.

When to Seek Medical Advice?

If your test shows abnormal results persistently for weeks or you experience symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, and upper right abdominal discomfort, consult your PCP promptly. Liver issues silently progresses until it reaches advanced stages.

Limitations of Liver Test Strips

Liver test strips are screening tools and are not meant to diagnose. They cannot detect early stages of liver disease or measure blood enzymes like ALT, AST, or ALP, which better demonstrates liver function. This means that they could miss subtle or asymptomatic liver abnormalities.

What Liver Conditions Might Be Missed by Test Strips?

• Early-stage liver disease

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

• Liver fibrosis or cirrhosis

• Conditions not reflected in urine markers

For comprehensive and complete assessment of liver function, consider having blood tests or imaging techniques (ultrasound or MRIs) done. However, for you to be able to do this, you need to go for an office or facility visit.

When to See a Doctor After Using Liver Test Strips

See a doctor if results are abnormal or you have liver disease symptoms. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe. Early medical intervention is critical.

Signs and Symptoms of Liver Disease

• Fatigue

• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

• Abdominal swelling or pain

• Dark-colored urine

• Pale stool

• Itchy skin

Most of these liver symptoms often appear only in advanced stages, so don’t ignore these mild signs.

Risk Factors for Liver Disease

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Poor eating habits or obesity

• Infection with hepatitis A, B, or C virus

• Use of certain medications like acetaminophen

• Genetic predisposition like hemochromatosis

If you have one or more of these risk factors, it is often advisable for you to get screened regularly and monitor your liver health. Liver test strips could help but for diagnosis purposes, blood tests and imaging are recommended.

Quick Summary Box

• Liver test strips detect bilirubin, urobilinogen, and ketones in the urine to monitor liver health

• They are quick and non-invasive but not diagnostic

• Affected by user error, storage, and strip quality; less reliable than blood tests but adequate for screening

• Abnormal results or symptoms like jaundice require medical follow-up

• Cannot detect subtle or asymptomatic liver conditions, and may miss liver conditions; professional evaluation is still necessary

 

References

References

Cirrhosis. (n.d.). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/cirrhosis 

Hoilat, G. J., & John, S. (2023). Bilirubinuria. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557439/ 

Memon, N. (2023). What Does Urobilinogen in Urine Indicate? Normal Level Range. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/what_does_urobilinogen_in_urine_indicate/article.htm 

Urobilinogen - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Www.sciencedirect.com. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/urobilinogen 

VA.gov | Veterans Affairs. (2020). Va.gov. https://www.hepatitis.va.gov/basics/liver-disease-symptoms.asp 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Liver Test Strips Diagnose Liver Disease?

A: No, liver test strips cannot diagnose liver disease. They are screening tools that detect markers like bilirubin and urobilinogen, which may suggest liver issues. A doctor’s evaluation, often including blood tests or imaging, is needed for diagnosis.

Q: Are Liver Test Strips Covered by Insurance?

A: How Often Should I Use Liver Test Strips?