The liver plays a crucial role in managing overall wellbeing, and hence keeping it healthy must be prioritised. A properly functioning liver helps prevent future possibilities of diseases and one of the best ways to identify this through a liver function test.

With a private liver function test, you can determine if there is any existing liver disorder or damage. Also, it helps understand how properly the body is responding to ongoing medications. Read on this blog to know the essentials of a private liver test, along with its costs.

Liver Function Test: What is it all about?

Abbreviated as LFT, the liver function test is a blood test which helps quantify specific proteins and enzymes pertaining to the liver. LFT constitutes a wide variety of tests, such as:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT)

ALT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver. It helps convert proteins into energy for the hepatic cells. However, if the liver is damaged, increased ALT levels will be secreted in the blood. This test is also called as SGPT.

• Aspartate transaminase (AST)

AST is an enzyme that breaks down amino acids in the body. Typically, it is present in low levels in the blood; however, a marked rise in this level denotes disrupted and damaged liver. Also, this may be indicative of liver disorder, and muscle damage. Another name of this AST test is SGOT.

• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

ALP enzyme is found in the bones and liver, helping in protein breakdown. Higher ALP levels in the blood represent liver damage and disease, such as, bile duct blockage. Also, it may indicate a potential bone disease.

• Total protein and albumin

Albumin is one of the various proteins produced by the liver. Proteins are essential for the body, helping to combat infections and manage other systemic functions. Low albumin and total protein levels generally mean there is an underlying liver problem or damage. Apart from this, it may also indicate renal or gastrointestinal conditions.

• Bilirubin

Bilirubin is synthesised by breaking down red blood cells – a function which the liver performs. It passes down through the liver, only to get eliminated in the faeces. When bilirubin levels increase, it is indicative of a defective or damaged liver. In certain scenarios, elevated bilirubin levels may also arise from anaemic condition and liver duct blockage.

• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)

GGT enzyme is normally present at low quantities in the blood. However, when the levels increase, a bile duct or liver problem is indicated. GGT test is non-specific for other conditions may raise its levels too.

• L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD)

Increased LD enzyme in the blood indicates liver damage. But, other associated factors may be present, too that elevates LD levels.

• Prothrombin time (PT)

This is the clotting time needed by blood. If the prothrombin time is high, liver damage may be there. However, taking blood thinning medicines can also result in increased PT.

Private liver function test in UK: What price to expect?

Obtaining a private liver test in UK may cost you an amount between £64 and £124. This generally varies on the type of test opted for and how reputed the chosen clinic is. Here is a more detailed breakdown of the pricing structure:

• For basic LFT: Around £64 (for maximum clinics n London)
• More comprehensive LFT: An upfront price of £90 which may rise as high as up to £124
• Diagnostic packages: Some clinics offer comprehensive diagnostic testing packages, including multiple procedures. This lowers the final costs.

When should I get tested?

Some liver conditions remain asymptomatic for a long time. Hence, it is necessary to obtain a timely diagnosis to eliminate potential underlying conditions or enzymatic imbalances that contribute to liver disease.

If you are already having an existing liver ailment and undergoing medications, you will be likely recommended for getting a liver function test by your doctor. It will help the healthcare provider to understand if your body is responding well to the treatment, and how the medicines are affecting subsequently.

What happens during the test?

Step 1: Preparation

There is no such restriction or prior guidelines to follow before taking a LFT. Just proper hydration is enough before you visit the clinic.

Step 2: Test procedure

LFT is a simple blood test in which the clinician draws some amount of blood from your vein (preferably the arm) with a sterilised needle. Then, he transfers it into a clean vial, afterwards sending it off to a clinical laboratory for analysis.

Step 3: Results

Most private clinics have a turnaround time of one to three days for analysis and result delivery. Once received, the results will be thoroughly discussed by your doctor.

Liver function tests: Results explained

The standard outcomes for liver function tests comprise:

• Albumin:5 – 5.0 grams per decilitre (g/dL).
• ALP:40 – 129 u/L
• ALT: 7 – 55 units per liter (u/L).
• AST: 8 – 48 u/L
• Total protein:3 – 7.9 g/dL
• PT:4 – 12.5 seconds
• LD: 122 – 222 u/L
• GGT: 8 – 61 u/L
• Bilirubin: between 0.1 and 1.2 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL)

The above results are meant for a typical healthy adult male, and the standard results can significantly vary from one laboratory to other. Also, the outcomes are different for women and children.

Private liver function test at MD.co.uk

Md.co.uk is a leading private clinic in London which offers comprehensive diagnostic tests of all kind, including liver function tests. Having an experienced team of doctors and other medical professionals, MD.co.uk commits to provide the best services for your metabolic needs. Not only that, it also offers walk-in, weekend and same-day consultation facilities for blood tests; enabling better health outcomes.

Conclusion

The liver is a vital organ, controlling various metabolic functions. However, with age, its function may be disrupted; especially if you have an existing health issue and are already on medications. But, worry not – obtaining a liver function test in London can help you a lot in determining the health of your liver and other metabolic functions. So, hurry up and book a test today.