“Liver” is the largest internal organ in the body and has many important functions, including producing bile to aid digestion, helping to remove waste from the bloodstream, and producing various proteins for the body. Therefore, we should take care of the “liver” to keep it healthy and functioning properly by “liver function tests,” just like testing other organs.
Liver Function Tests
1. Liver function test AST (Aspartate transaminase) or SGOT (Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase)
AST is an enzyme produced by the liver when organs in the body are damaged. A high level indicates a problem with internal organs.
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- AST liver function test is used to confirm abnormal symptoms that may indicate liver disease, such as jaundice, nausea, vomiting, pain under the ribs below the sternum, etc.
- Test to monitor treatment results of liver conditions or side effects that may occur from treatment.
- Test to detect possible liver damage.
2. Liver function test ALT (Alanine transaminase) or SGPT (Serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase)
ALT is an enzyme mostly found in the liver. The body uses it to metabolize protein into energy. It is produced when organs in the body are damaged. Normally, ALT is found in small amounts in the bloodstream, but if ALT is detected in higher than normal amounts, it may indicate liver dysfunction.
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- Check the severity of liver damage or existing liver conditions.
- Test liver function for patients with jaundice or those with risky behaviors to confirm liver disease.
- Check for side effects that may occur from medications, such as cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Why Do We Need to Test the Liver?
If the “liver” malfunctions, it will affect the functioning of various systems in the body. Therefore, we should never neglect “liver function tests” as a way to consciously monitor diseases.
- Detect risks, damage, or infections related to the liver.
- Detect abnormalities in the liver and abnormalities affecting other organs.
- Detect side effects caused by medication.
- Test liver function in individuals with risky behaviors for liver-related diseases.
- Monitor symptoms and treatment outcomes of liver diseases.
Who Should Get Liver Function Tests?
Everyone should undergo liver function tests, especially the following groups:
- Those who regularly consume alcoholic beverages.
- Those who regularly take medications that affect liver function.
- Those with family members who have or had liver diseases.
- Those who suspect they may have contracted hepatitis virus.
- Those who experience symptoms of liver disease such as nausea, vomiting, jaundice, weakness, abdominal swelling, leg swelling, etc.
Not Testing the “Liver” Risks Serious Diseases
Liver abnormalities can seriously affect your body and increase the risk of serious diseases such as liver cancer, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and bile duct diseases.
We should all regularly check our health and pay more attention to the health of the “liver” so that the “liver” can function at its best and help maintain the balance of various systems in the body for long-lasting strength and good health.
Dr. Udomrat Kowitwiphat
Internal Medicine Specialist
Gastrointestinal and Liver Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
