Liver Function tests are used to assess if the liver is inflamed and possibly either damaged or is working properly.

Liver Function tests measure the level of Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, Aspartate Transferase, Alanine Transferase, CK (creatinine kinase), Gamma GT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase), Total Protein, Albumin and Globulin.

We include additional tests free of charge which look at other important body and organ functions such as kidney function.

Liver Function

Bilirubin is a product of haemoglobin breakdown. It is removed from the body via the liver, gall bladder and bowel.

Alkaline Phosphatase is an enzyme located mainly in the liver and bones. High levels can indicate liver or bone disease.

Aspartate Transferase is an enzyme created mainly by cells of the liver and the heart. Disease processes or injury affecting either organ may cause release of this enzyme.

Alanine Transferase is an enzyme produced mainly by the liver. Diseases that affect the liver and the excessive consumption of alcohol may elevate it.

CK (creatinine kinase) is a muscle enzyme and measures muscle cell damage and death.

Gamma GT (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) is a liver enzyme raised levels can indicate diseases of the liver, bile ducts, and kidney.

Proteins

Total Protein represents the sum of albumin and globulin. It is more important to know which protein fraction is high or low than what the measure of total protein is.

Albumin is made mainly in the liver and helps keep the blood from leaking out of blood vessels. It also helps carry some medicines and other substances through the blood and is important for tissue growth and healing.

Globulin consists of different proteins and is made by the liver and the immune system. Certain globulins bind with haemoglobin while others transport metals, such as iron, in the blood and help fight infection.

Kidney Function

Sodium is both an electrolyte and mineral. It helps regulate the water (inside and outside the body's cells) and electrolyte balance of the body. Sodium is also important in how nerves and muscles work.

Potassium is essential to regulate how the heart beats. It also helps move nutrients into cells and waste products out of cells and influences how nerves and muscles communicate.

Chloride, like sodium, helps maintain a balance of fluids in the body.

Bicarbonate prevents the body's tissues from getting too much or too little acid. The kidney and lungs balance the levels of bicarbonate in the body.

Urea is a waste product produced as the body digests protein and is carried by the blood to the kidneys, which filter the urea out of the blood and into the urine. The urea test shows how well the kidneys are working.

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule that is generated from muscle metabolism. Measurement of this is an indicator of the level of other waste products. Creatinine is an accurate marker of kidney function.

Calcium

Calcium is the most common mineral in the body and one of the most important. The body needs it to build and repair bones and teeth, help nerves work, make muscles squeeze together, help blood clot, and help the heart to work. The majority of calcium in the body is stored in bone. The rest is found in the blood. If the calcium result is abnormal, a Corrected Calcium calculation is carried out to provide further information.

Phosphate

Phosphate, also called phosphorus, is a chemical which the body needs to get energy from the food. It is an important component of bones and vitamin D is required to absorb it.

Gout Test

Uric Acid is a waste product of protein digestion. High levels can lead to excess uric acid being deposited as crystals in the tissues of the body. When this occurs in joints it causes the painful condition known as gout.

Diabetes Test

Glucose is the main type of sugar in the blood. It is the major source of energy needed to fuel the body's functions. If glucose levels that are too high or too low it can cause problems. The most common cause of high blood glucose levels is diabetes.

High results can be followed up with a HbA1c, or glycosolated haemoglobin test. This measures recent average blood glucose levels and gives a good indication of average blood glucose over a previous 2-3 month period.

Lipids

Lipid tests carried out to determine the relative risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Triglycerides are chains of high-energy fatty acids. These fatty acids are required for cells to function correctly.

Cholesterol is an essential body fat (lipid). It is necessary for building cell membranes and for making several essential hormones. Too much cholesterol can cause it to build up on the walls of blood vessels and allow clots to develop.

Iron Profile

The iron profile measures total amount of iron in the blood. It also checks to see if the iron is attaching to protein as it should. The iron profile may also tell how much iron is in the body besides what is in red blood cells.

Iron is an essential trace element and is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and certain enzymes. At the other extreme, high levels of iron can be poisonous.

T.I.B.C (total iron-binding capacity) measures the amount of iron that can be carried through blood and can also be used to monitor nutritional status and how the liver is functioning.

Iron Saturation is the level of iron in the blood which the body is able to use.

These tests and many more are all included in our Health Checks.