How to check liver function at home
The liver performs a variety of different tasks that are essential to proper body function, each of which reflect the health of your liver. The liver aids in digestion, filters and regulates blood, stores vitamins, regulates metabolism, helps resist infections, removes waste product, and produces hormones. It’s because of the different tasks the liver performs that it also needs to be tested in a variety of ways to determine if it’s showing signs of liver damage. The issue(s) a person experiences will determine which type of tests will need to be performed to rule out if their liver is functioning properly.
The different tests performed to measure a person’s liver health and whether they’re showing signs of liver conditions are referred to as liver function tests (lfts). The majority of liver tests are blood tests As mentioned above, because the liver performs so many critical functions, there are different liver problems one can try to diagnose before seeing a healthcare professional.
Each liver function test examines liver cells in a different way in order to determine that the liver is functioning properly. The more a person discovers about the health of their liver, the more ready they’ll be to work alongside their healthcare provider in dealing with any issues that arise.
What is an at-home Liver Test?
An at-home liver test is a blood test or urine test that measures the health and function of the liver. A urine test is performed to measure the heath of the liver, whereas blood tests measure proteins, liver enzymes, and bilirubin.
When preparing to purchase an at-home liver test, you can also choose to CLIA-certified liver test. This test may be priced differently than the other standard tests, because it is bound to a law that requires certification for facilities that perform human specimen exams. The certificate helps guarantee the accuracy of the test results.
The Different Types of Enzyme Tests
The different liver enzyme tests are able to determine if the body is producing the proper amounts of globulin, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT,) Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT.) Each of these different enzymes play an important part in making sure the liver and body function properly.
Testing Globulin Levels
When testing globulin levels, a person will typically prick their finger to draw blood and then send their sample to a laboratory. Once the laboratory receives and analyzes the blood sample, the patient will receive their results the next business day.
Globulin plays three roles in the body —
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It enables the body to fight infections by neutralizing foreign substances that enter into the system.
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It aids in blood clotting
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Alpha globulins help transport vitamins and hormones throughout the body and beta globulins help to transfer lipids and hormones.
When receiving the results from one’s globulin test, it’s important to know that both low and high numbers can pose potential issues.
Low globulin levels suggest either malnutrition, kidney disease, or liver disease. High globulin levels, on the other hand, suggest a person may be showing signs of cancer, infection, or autoimmune disease.
Because globulin levels can indicate more than just liver issues, a person may need to complete other health tests depending on what their initial lab results show.
Testing ALP Levels
Testing ALP levels is similar to testing globulin levels. It is a simple blood draw test that depending on the results can indicate several different issues a person may be dealing with.
High levels of ALP are able to indicate a person may have cirrhosis, gallbladder issues, or hepatitis. High ALP levels can also lead to bile duct blockages caused by gallstones or bone diseases and bone tumors.
IF ALP tests are high, it’s also very likely a doctor will order an additional GGT in order to differentiate between bone and issues.
Testing ALT Levels
Whereas a globulin test is taken by pricking one’s finger, an ALT test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in the arm. The sample, after being taken is sent off to the lab to be analyzed.
The results the person receives will let them know whether their ALT levels are low, normal, or high.
Low ALT ranges can indicate that a person either has chronic kidney disease a B6 deficiency.
Higher ALT levels indicate that a person may either have liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or even liver cancer.
Testing AST Levels
An AST test is performed by drawing blood from a vein in the arm. AST levels, if found to be high, can potentially indicate liver issues. But, if AST levels are high, and the patient’s results are paired with other symptoms they may also be at a greater risk of heart attack.
Testing for GGT
Performing an at-home GGT involves pricking your finger and submitting the blood sample to a laboratory. Both low and high GGT results can indicate potential issues.
Low levels of GGT can reflect either hypothyroidism or the early stage of a pregnancy.
High levels of GGT, on the other hand, can potentially indicate a larger variety of issues —
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Signs of bile duct damage or liver damage
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Signs of fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
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May be a sign of someone’s drinking too much or too frequently
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Is a potential side effect of smoking
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Is a potential side effect of particular medications.
Because a person’s GGT levels may not be enough on its own to determine if a person’s liver is functioning correctly, after receiving the initial results from the test, a doctor will most likely order additional tests to determine if there are any other underlying issues going on.
Prothrombin Time (PT) Test
A prothrombin time test measures how long it takes blood to clot. For this at-home test, you’re required to prick your finger, provide a blood sample, and measure the length of time it takes for your blood to clot.
Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) Test
The carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) test is a simple and accurate test that determines if a person’s liver disease or liver damage is caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The test is completed by pricking the person’s finger, collecting a small blood sample, and having the sample examined at a lab.
The results of the test will reveal whether a high level of alcohol consumption is what’s contributing to the individual’s liver issues.
The Role Bilirubin Plays in the Body
Bilirubin, plays two vital roles. It helps break down red blood cells, and also helps move bile through the body in order to help digest food and dispose of waste. Bilirubin moves through the bile ducts — small canals that carry bile from the liver to the gallbladder and small intestine. A liver function test can help determine if they are experiencing a blockage in their bile ducts or a buildup of bilirubin in their blood.
See Related: How To Monitor Liver Health with At Home Test? – Ribbon Checkup
Why Should You Take at-home Liver Test?
You should take an at-home liver test for multiple reasons. An at-home liver test enables you to monitor your health and keep a close eye on how well your liver is performing at different ages and stages of your life.
An at-home liver test enables you to help determine if you’re developing any health conditions related to your liver. This can be very important if your family has a history of liver disease, are obese, have an alcohol use disorder, or have diabetes. At-home tests are also able to help measure cholesterol, total protein, and any changes in current diseases or conditions you may have.
Common Causes of Liver Disease?
There are several common causes of liver disease. A person can be more likely to develop liver disease, if other family members have had the condition. The chances of liver disease can increase from hepatitis, exposure to toxins, alcohol use, and obesity.
Whether a person develops liver disease from hepatitis depends on the type of hepatitis the person is exposed to. General hepatitis is caused by viruses.
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Hepatitis A is spread by contaminated food and water
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Hepatitis B is spread by coming into contact with contaminated blood, semen, or vaginal secretions
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Hepatitis C occurs from direct blood to blood contact.
Alcohol use and abuse is another key cause of liver disease. Having even more than one drink a day can increase a person’s likelihood of developing liver disease. Women’s participating in moderate drinking also increases their likelihood of developing cirrhosis later on in life.
Obesity is also known to increase a person’s chance of developing liver disease because an excess development of body fat also contributes to an excess of fat buildup in the liver.
Other Causes of Liver Disease
Another key cause of liver disease is being exposed to toxins that are found in herbal supplements, chemicals, drugs, and wild mushrooms. Each of these items are able to damage the liver.
Autoimmune hepatitis is another key source of liver disease. Unlike the other forms of hepatitis that cause liver disease, this form occurs when one’s own immune system begins attacking the liver.
Apart from directly inheriting liver disease issues through family history, their are other conditions a person can inherit that can lead them to developing liver disease later on. For instance, both cystic fibrosis and biliary atresia can lead to liver disease later in life.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
In its initial stages, many symptoms of liver disease go unnoticed. But, as liver disease progresses, it’s common for a person to experience a loss of appetite. Liver disease can also effect a person’s blood sugar by leading to hyperglycemia or fatty liver disease. Both increase the sugar levels found in the body.
The Different Types of At-Home Tests
The majority of liver tests are performed via a blood test and are similar to the laboratory test you’d have performed if you went into see the doctor. For at-home tests, a blood sample is taken either by performing a finger prick or a blood draw. Then, the sample collection is used to check for any sign of liver disease.
At-home liver test kits like Ribbon Checkup will typically enable you to check that your liver is performing each of its essential functions. That way, you’re able to test for all potential issues at once. It’s important to inform your doctor if you are conducting an at-home liver test because they’ll inform you as to whether you should stop taking any medications your on prior to completing your liver function test. Doing so will make sure each test measures your blood correctly and does not provide any inaccurate or abnormal results.
Your at-home liver test will enable you to check the levels of albumin in your body through either a blood test or a urine test. Albumin is a protein made by the liver that helps to move small molecules through the body and also keeps liquid from leaking into body tissue. If regular levels are not found in the body, then the test results can reflect that a person has kidney disease, liver disease, or may not be absorbing as much protein as their body requires.
What Can a Liver Function Test Diagnose?
A liver test can do more than tell you whether you’ve developed liver disease. a
There are many different conditions and diseases that can be diagnosed by a liver function test.
For instance, an increase of fat, can lead to a person’s developing fatty liver disease. This condition does not show symptoms early on, but they start to appear more as disease progresses. Fatty liver disease can lead to fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
Preventative Measures
If you’re hoping to prevent your chances of liver damage or liver disease, there are several different things you can do to help yourself.
First, you should limit the amount of alcohol your consume. Alcohol is known to negatively effect the liver and drinking more than the suggested amount can increase your chances of developing liver damage or liver disease.
You can also make sure that you maintain good hygiene. You should always wash your hands after using the bathroom, avoid sharing personal items with other people, and use only clean fresh needles when getting a tattoo or a body piercing.
Another step you can take in improving your chances of preventing liver damage and liver disease is to maintain a healthy diet. You should avoid eating a lot of sugary snacks and should remain focused on eating “heart smart” foods. You should also maintain a well-balanced breakfast and avoid consuming a lot of processed foods,
One of the other primary ways you can help prevent liver damage and liver disease is to limit or avoid consuming alcohol. Avoiding alcohol will help keep your liver healthy, especially if you already have a liver condition.
Practicing safe sex and avoiding toxic chemicals like cleaning supplies and tobacco can help keep your liver healthy as well.
To help increase your chances of maintaining a healthy liver, it’s suggested that you get vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
You should also avoid taking over-the-counter painkillers, as doing so can cause damage to your liver,
When to see a Doctor?
Because the symptoms of liver disease typically don’t appear until the disease has already started to progress, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as you suspect you may have liver disease.
Though it’s possible for a person to live with liver disease for days, weeks, or months, liver failure can also prove fatal within days. The sooner you see a doctor, the faster you can receive treatment or determine whether your symptoms are not a sign of liver damage or liver disease.
Key Takeaways
The liver performs a variety of functions, which is why it needs to be tested in different ways and for different purposes.
Your more likely to develop liver disease if members of your family have had liver disease in the past.
The majority of liver tests can be performed at home by either performing a blood test or a urine test.
By performing liver function tests (lfts) at different ages and stages of your life you can continuously monitor the health of your liver.
Maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding drinking, and practicing safe sex can help decrease your likelihood of developing liver disease.
The sooner you receive treatment for liver disease, the more likely you’ll be able to treat—and potentially reverse—its effects.
Related References
- Can Liver Function Tests Be Normal with Cirrhosis?
- Does Stress Cause Elevated Liver Enzymes? Exploring the Connection
- Bilirubin in Urine: Causes, Symptoms, Detection, and Treatment
References
1. Cleveland Clinic – Liver Function Tests
2. Healthline - Liver Function Tests: Purpose and Procedure
3. Healthline: An overview of at-home liver tests, including their purpose and considerations.
4. Medical News Today: A guide to at-home liver tests, detailing various options and their reliability.
5. Mayo Clinic - Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
6. NIDDK - Diagnosis of Cirrhosis
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https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/cirrhosis/diagnosis
