liver (42)

The human liver is a key organ in the human body. The organ plays a major role in regulating blood sugar levels and blood clotting.  It is also responsible for excreting bile and eliminating the waste products created in the body.

The ability of the liver to function optimally can be compromised by certain liver diseases. Some of these diseases can adversely affect the structure and functioning of the organ. For example, liver cirrhosis can be caused by liver diseases like hepatitis and alcoholism. It leads to scarring of the liver tissue and may cause permanent liver damage.

Other liver diseases include:

• Fatty liver disease - causes inflammation of the liver
• Autoimmune hepatitis - occurs when the immune system targets the liver and causes inflammation
• Primary biliary cholangitis - causes the destruction of the small bile ducts in the liver

Liver diseases are usually treatable by incorporating lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol or losing weight. Apollo 24|7 does away with the need to perform a series of tests by grouping relevant diagnostic procedures under comprehensive liver test packages. These packages are carefully curated to save time and resources.

The Contents of the Liver Test Packages

Liver inflammation is often difficult to detect and may be synonymous with sharp, recurring pains in the body. Periodic liver tests will provide a precise diagnosis if the patient suffers from liver diseases like hepatitis. The liver test package comprises the following tests:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT) Test - As the name suggests, the test measures the amount of Alanine transaminase, an enzyme found mainly in the liver, in the blood. When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, which makes it a useful indicator of liver function. The test is commonly used to detect liver damage and Monitor liver disease
• Aspartate transaminase (AST) Test -  It is a blood test that determines the level of Aspartate transaminase (AST), an enzyme that is found in high concentrations in the liver, heart, and muscles. It is commonly used to assess liver function and to diagnose liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Test - The blood test measures the level of Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme found in many tissues, in the blood. The test is primarily used to evaluate the liver. It can help identify conditions such as gallstones, cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer.  
• Total Protein (Protein, Albumin, Globulin, A/G) - A blood test that measures the total amount of protein in your blood, as well as the levels of albumin, globulin, and the ratio of albumin to globulin (A/G ratio). Abnormal results on the TP test may indicate a variety of conditions, including liver disease, kidney disease, chronic inflammation, malnutrition, or cancer. 
• Bilirubin Test - A diagnostic test that measures the levels of bilirubin, a yellowish substance that is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells, in the blood. Bilirubin is processed by the liver and excreted out of the body. The test is used to diagnose and monitor jaundice and other liver problems.
• Albumin Test - It is a blood test that measures the levels of albumin, a protein made by the liver, in the blood. Albumin plays an important role in maintaining the fluid balance in the body, as well as transporting various substances such as hormones, enzymes, and medications. The test is used to diagnose medical conditions such as liver disease, kidney disease, and malnutrition as well as monitor the effectiveness of certain medications or treatments
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) - A blood test that measures the levels of GGT, an enzyme that is involved in the metabolism of drugs and other substances in the liver, and in the blood. Elevated levels of GGT may be an indicator of liver diseases, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or alcoholism.

Some of the other liver tests that can help you diagnose or monitor health conditions are:

• Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBS), 
• Triglycerides - Serum, 
• Electrolytes With Calcium

The Need for Liver Test Packages

The arrival of liver test packages ensures it is easier to diagnose liver diseases and recommend an effective treatment plan. Some of the other benefits of the test packages include:

• Useful in isolating the area of liver-sustaining damage and focusing the treatment accordingly
• Identify a pattern of elevation in the production of hormones
• Measure bile juice and other enzymes produced by the liver
• Determine if the liver is functioning abnormally

The test results play an instrumental in devising a targeted treatment regimen and reducing the impact of liver diseases in patients. With timely treatment and care, individuals with liver disorders can lead complication-free lives.