Understanding Bloodwork And Your Liver
Blood tests are a key indicator in diagnosing liver health. This page provides essential information about liver-related blood tests, empowering you to understand their significance and discuss them with your doctor.
Empowering You With Knowledge
Many individuals are unaware of the comprehensive range of liver blood tests available. Unfortunately, some doctors may not routinely check all relevant liver enzymes. This resource aims to educate you about the different types of tests, enabling informed conversations with your healthcare provider about which tests are appropriate for you.
Understand Your Tests
The primary goal is to empower you to understand the purpose of various liver blood tests and to facilitate informed discussions with your doctor regarding which tests they should order based on your individual needs and risk factors. This knowledge is crucial for proactive liver health management.
Types of Blood Tests
1) Liver Enzymes (Indicating Irritation or Damage)
- ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): Often elevated in cases of fatty liver.
- AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Can increase with liver damage (also affects muscles).
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): May rise due to bile duct blockage or liver/bone issues.
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): Assists in confirming whether ALP originates from the liver (also increases with alcohol consumption or bile problems).
2) Liver Function (Evaluating Liver Efficiency)
- Bilirubin (Total & Direct): Elevated levels can cause jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes).
- Albumin: Low levels may suggest liver disease or malnutrition.
- PT/INR (Prothrombin Time / INR): Assesses clotting ability (a crucial liver function test).
3) Protein Levels
- Total Protein
- Globulin
- A/G Ratio (Albumin/Globulin Ratio)
4) Tests for Fatty Liver and Inflammation Risk
- Platelet Count (CBC): Low platelets may indicate advanced liver scarring.
- Ferritin: Can be elevated in inflammation or iron overload.
- Fasting Glucose / A1C: Diabetes risk is associated with fatty liver.
- Lipid Panel (Cholesterol & Triglycerides)
5) Hepatitis and Infection Tests
- Hepatitis A (HAV) Antibodies
- Hepatitis B Tests (HBsAg, Anti-HBs, Anti-HBc)
- Hepatitis C Antibody + HCV RNA: Confirms active infection.
6) Autoimmune Liver Disease Tests (If Suspected)
- ANA
- ASMA
- AMA (Important for PBC—Bile Duct Autoimmune Disease)
- IgG / Immunoglobulins
7) Iron and Genetic Liver Conditions
- Iron, TIBC, Transferrin Saturation
- Ceruloplasmin (Wilson Disease—More Common in Younger Individuals)
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Level
8) Cancer Screening (Only When Necessary)
- AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein): Sometimes Used if Cirrhosis or Liver Tumor Concerns
Take the Next Step
Now that you've learned about the importance of bloodwork in assessing liver health, we encourage you to take the next step. Discuss these tests with your doctor. For more information about liver diseases, please browse our website, or Contact Us with any questions.