Liver
Did you know that the Liver is the only organ in the body that can regenerate?
The liver is one of the largest organs in the body and is located in the upper right-hand part of the abdomen and behind the lower ribs.
The liver is associated with many vital functions of the body such as:
Cholesterol Synthesis
Hormones and Enzymes Productions
Deactivation of Toxic/Poison
Stores Critical Vitamins
Bile Production
Warehouse of Glucose
Deactivation of Toxic/Poison
Bile Production
Warehouse of Glucose
Cholesterol Synthesis
Stores Critical Vitamins
Hormones and Enzymes Productions
Lungs Tests / Packages
Symptoms of Liver Disease
In acute liver disease, the most common signs and symptoms include:
Yellow skin and eyes (Jaundice)
Pale stool colour
Nausea and Vomiting
Abdominal pain and swelling
Itchy Skin
Dark urine
Loss of appetite
Yellow skin and eyes (Jaundice)
Dark urine
Pale stool colour
Loss of appetite
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and swelling
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Itchy Skin
Are you at risk of Liver Disease?
Heavy alcohol use
Injecting drugs using shared needles
Tattoos or body piercings
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
Diabetes
Obesity
Heavy alcohol use
Injecting drugs using shared needles
Tattoos or body piercings
Exposure to certain chemicals or toxins
Diabetes
Obesity
Types of Liver Disease
– Extra fat produced and stored by the liver can sometimes lead the liver itself to get fat resulting in Fatty Liver Disease.
– Even in cases of alcohol or little alcohol intake can result in Fatty Liver Disease, This is known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.
– It’s a silent killer as it produces no or very little symptoms unless detected specifically.
– It can lead to liver cancer or complete liver failure if not treated in time.
Fatty Liver Disease
NASH
Liver Fibrosis
Cirrhosis
Hepatitis
Jaundice
Liver Cancer
Bile Duct Diseases
Wilson Disease
Alcoholic Vs Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
– The condition is reversible if the person stops drinking alcohol.
– Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the fat deposition in the liver even when a person does not consume or consumes very little of alcohol
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)
– NASH is a more severe form of NAFLD. In the case of NASH, along with fat accumulation, there is inflammation and cell death in the liver.
– NASH can progress to more serious disease stages, such as advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer, driven by hepatocellular ballooning and inflammation.
– The symptoms of NASH are often invisible until the liver is damaged beyond repair.
Risk factors for NASH include but not limited to
– Hypertension
– Heart disease
– High blood lipid levels
– Insulin resistance
– Type 2 diabetes
– Obesity
Liver Fibrosis
– Liver fibrosis occurs after a person experiences injury or inflammation in the liver such as in NASH and other diseases. It is due to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins including collagen that occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases.
– The liver cells stimulate wound healing. During this wound healing, excess proteins such as collagen and glycoproteins build up in the liver.
– Eventually, after many instances of repair, the liver cells (known as hepatocytes) can no longer repair themselves. The excess proteins form scar tissue or fibrosis. Advanced liver fibrosis results in cirrhosis, liver failure, and portal hypertension and often requires liver transplantation.
– Medications and lifestyle changes can help to keep fibrosis from getting worse.
Cirrhosis
– Cirrhosis is scarring of the liver. Scar tissue forms because of injury or long-term diseases like Fatty liver, NASH, Hepatitis, etc. Cirrhosis can lead to many diseases like Kidney failure, Jaundice, Gallstones, etc.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver which can be caused by various reasons like infections or viruses. There are various types of hepatitis as:
– Hepatitis A: Poor sanitation and not washing hands regularly is considered one of the main reasons for the spread of hepatitis A.
– Hepatitis B and C: It spreads through the contact of infected body fluids especially with contaminated needles or unprotected sex.
– Hepatitis D: It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B.
– Hepatitis E: This is water or foodborne infection.
Jaundice
– In Jaundice, skin and the whites of the eyes turn yellow and is caused by excess bilirubin.
– Bilirubin is a yellow chemical in haemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen in red blood cells. As red blood cells break down, the body builds new cells to replace them and the old ones are processed by the liver.
– If the liver cannot handle the blood cells as they break down, bilirubin builds up in the body and skin may look yellow.
Liver Cancer
Liver cancer primarily starts in the liver whereas Metastatic liver cancer starts in other parts of the body and spreads to the liver.
Risk factors for Liver Cancer include:
– Having hepatitis B or C
– Heavy alcohol use
– Having cirrhosis, or scarring of the liver
– Having haemochromatosis, an iron storage disease
– Obesity
– Diabetes
Bile Duct Diseases
The liver makes a digestive juice called bile which helps in breaking down fat. Gallbladder pushes the bile into tubes called bile ducts carrying the bile to the small intestine.
– Different diseases can block the bile ducts and cause a problem with the flow of bile:
Gallstones: Solid particles that form from bile cholesterol and bilirubin in the gallbladder. It can increase pressure in the gallbladder and cause a gallbladder attack.
Cancer
Infections
Birth defects, such as biliary atresia. It is the most common reason for liver transplants in children.
Inflammation, which can cause scarring. Over time, this can lead to liver failure.
Wilson Disease
Wilson Disease is a rare inherited disorder that prevents the body from getting rid of extra copper. With Wilson disease, the copper builds up in the liver and it releases the copper directly into the blood resulting in damage to the brain, kidneys, and eyes.
How is Liver disease diagnosed?
There are various tests used to diagnose various liver diseases.
Liver Function Test
It is a group of tests that are performed together to detect, evaluate, and monitor liver disease or damage. The panel usually consists of several tests that are run at the same time on a blood sample. These typically include:
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
An enzyme found in several parts of the body, including the heart, liver, and muscles. Since AST levels aren’t as specific for liver damage as ALT, it’s usually measured together with ALT to check for liver problems. When the liver is damaged, AST can be released into the blood stream. A high result on an AST test might indicate a problem with the liver or muscles.
Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGTP)
An enzyme that is found in many organs throughout the body, with the highest concentrations found in the liver. GGT is elevated in the blood in most diseases that cause damage to the liver or bile ducts.
Bilirubin, Total
It is used to detect an increased level of bilirubin in the blood. It helps to determine the cause of jaundice and diagnose conditions such as liver disease, haemolytic anaemia, and blockage of the bile ducts.
Bilirubin, Direct
It measures a form of bilirubin that is conjugated (combined with another compound) in the liver; It is only increased in the case of liver disease.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
An enzyme related to the bile ducts but also produced by the bones, intestines, and during pregnancy by the placenta (after birth).
High levels of ALP may indicate liver inflammation, blockage of the bile ducts, or bone disease.
Albumin
Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. This test measures the level of albumin in the blood. Alow result indicates that the liver isnt functioning properly.
Total Protein
The total protein test measures the total amount of protein in the blood and specifically looks for the amount of albumin and globulin. It also measures the ratio of albumin to globulin in the blood known as the A/G ratio.
Total Protein is useful in evaluating patients for nutritional status, liver disease, protein losing renal and gastrointestinal diseases.
Ammonia Test
Ammonia Test is used to detect an elevated level of ammonia in the blood that may be caused by severe liver disease, kidney failure, or certain rare genetic disorders.
Ceruloplasmin Test
Ceruloplasmin is the major copper-carrying protein in the blood, and also plays a role in iron metabolism. Ceruloplasmin testing is used to help diagnose Wilson disease, an autosomal recessive disorder. Low levels may also occur in Menkes syndrome which is a genetic defect in copper absorption.
Bile Acids, Total
Increases in serum bile acids may be a marker for acute hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver sclerosis, liver cancer, and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
NAFLD (Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) Fibrosis Score
It is a non-invasive scoring system based on several laboratory tests that help to estimate the amount of scarring in the liver.
- Producing bile
- Helping the body filter out toxic substances, including alcohol, drugs, and harmful metabolites
- Regulating blood levels of various important chemicals, including amino acids
- Making cholesterol
- Removing some bacteria from the blood
- Making some immune factors
- Clearing bilirubin from the blood
- Regulating the process of blood clotting, so that a person does not bleed too much and does not develop dangerous blood clots
Basic Tests
Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test
The Hepatic Function Panel (7) Blood Test is a liver function test that may be useful in screening for liver disease and liver damage.
Hepatitis C Antibody Blood Test
A Hepatitis C Antibody Blood Test is used to assess exposure to Hepatitis C virus infection and tests blood safety.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Blood Test
A GGT test aids in detecting liver and bile duct injury.
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Blood Test, Quantitativ…
A Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Blood Test, Quantitative evaluates possible immunity in individuals who are at increased risks for exposure to the hepatitis B.
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Blood Test earliest indicator of the presence of acute infection.
Ammonia Plasma Test
This ammonia plasma test measures the amount of Ammonia in the blood, a compound produced by intestinal bacteria, and by cells in the body during the digestion of protein.
Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Blood Test, Qualitative
The Hepatitis B Surface Antibody Blood Test, Qualitative is useful in the detection of previous exposure to HBV.
Hepatitis Blood Test Panel, Acute
A Hepatitis Blood Test Panel includes: Hepatitis A antibody, IgM, hepatitis B core antibody, IgM, hepatitis B surface antigen, and hepatitis C antibody with reflex.
Ceruloplasmin Blood Test
A Ceruloplasmin Test is used to diagnose Wilson’s disease and other copper deficiency conditions.
Transferrin Blood Test
The Transferrin Blood Test is used to assess the body’s ability to bind and transport iron in the blood and monitor liver function or nutritional status
Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Isoenzymes Blood Test
A Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD) Isoenzymes Blood Test helps identify the cause and location of tissue damage in the body and to monitor its progress.
Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LD) Blood Test
A LD or LDH Blood Test measures lactic acid dehydrogenase an enzyme that is elevated in case of any tissue damage or injury.
Complement C4 Blood Test
This Complement C4 Blood Test measures the amount of Complement C4 protein in your blood. These proteins are part of your complement system, an important part of your immune system that helps kill bacteria and viruses causing disease.
Aldolase Blood Test
An aldolase blood test looks for damage to muscles, liver or the heart.
Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Blood Test
An alpha-1 antitrypsin blood test is integral in defining the cause of early-onset emphysema and liver dysfunction.
Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test
A Protein Electrophoresis Serum Test measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample.
Hepatitis C Antibody Blood Test with Reflex on Posit…
Assess exposure to hepatitis C virus infection and tests blood safety.
Liver Profile #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel
A Liver Profile #3 Extreme Blood Test Panel includes Hepatic-7 Panel + GGT, LDH, Total Cholesterol plus PT, CBC’s, AFP, and Ferritin, plus Acute Hepatitis Panel.
Alkaline Phosphatase Blood Test
The alkaline phosphatase blood test measures the level of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase in the blood.
Mitochondrial (M2) Antibody Blood Test
A mitochondrial antibody test is used to determine the presence of mitochondrial antibodies which can be used in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests to aid in the diagnosis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC).
Complement Total (CH50) Blood Test
A CH50 test is used to help determine any protein abnormalities and deficiencies in the complement system.
Bilirubin Total and Direct Blood Test
A bilirubin test is used to detect an increased level in the blood. It may be used to help determine the cause of jaundice and/or help diagnose conditions such as liver disease, hemolytic anemia, and blockage of the bile ducts.
Bilirubin Direct Blood Test
A Bilirubin Direct Blood Test is used to evaluate liver and biliary disease. Increased direct bilirubin occurs with biliary diseases, including both intrahepatic and extrahepatic lesions.
Hepatitis B Core Antibody Blood Test, IgM
A Hepatitis B Core Antibody Blood Test, IgM, measures HBcAb which is an antibody produced in response to the core-antigen, a component of the Hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Blood Test, Quantitative, Re…
A HCV Blood Test is used to determine the number of international units (IU) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA per milliliter serum or plasma in known HCV-positive patients.
Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test, IgM
A Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test is a differential diagnosis of hepatitis; the presence of IgM antibody to hepatitis A virus is good evidence for acute hepatitis A.
Hepatitis B (HBV) Blood Test Panel
A Hepatitis B (HBV) Blood Test Panel includes a Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total (Test #006718), Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (Test #006510), Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Test #006395).
Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Blood Test
A Hepatitis B Core Antibody Total Blood Test is used to find out if you are infected with the hepatitis B virus.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Blood Test, RNA, Qualitative…
A HCV Blood Test, RNA, Qualitative, NAA is used to detect and confirm Hepatitis C virus infection.
Prealbumin Blood Test
This Prealbumin Blood Test evaluates protein malnutrition, total parenteral nutrition, and liver dysfunction.
Alkaline Phosphatase Isoenzymes Blood Test
The alkaline phosphatase isoenzymes blood test measures the amounts of different types of alkaline phosphatase in the blood.
Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test, Total
A Hepatitis A Antibody Blood Test total measures both IgG and IgM forms of the antibodies associated with Hepatitis A. Although the test measures both IgG and IgM antibodies looking for past and recent exposure, test results report a total and do not differentiate between the two forms.
Protein Electrophoresis and Total Protein Blood Test
Measures the types of protein in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample.
Bile Acids Blood Test
A Bile Acids Blood Test evaluates the enterohepatic cycle consisting of the biliary system, intestine, portal circulation, and hepatocytes
Creatine Serum Test
A Creatine Serum Test looks for Creatine, a compound that is made primarily in the liver and then transported to your muscles.
Carnitine Total and Free Blood Test
This Carnitine Total and Free Blood Test measures your blood’s amount of a substance called carnitine. It compares the amount of carnitine that is usable or ” free ” to the total amount in your body.
Liver-Kidney Microsomal (LKM) Antibodies Serum Test
The liver-kidney microsomal (LKM) antibodies serum test is used in the detection of LKM-1 antibodies is an aid in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis, type 2 (AIH-2).
Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test
A Hepatitis Be Antigen Blood Test is a differential diagnosis, staging, and prognosis of hepatitis B infection.
Urinalysis Macroscopic, Dipstick
This Urinalysis Macroscopic, Dipstick test is used to access the chemical constituents in the urine and the relationship to various diseases.
Copper Urine Test, Random
A Copper Urine Test, Random monitors exposure to copper.
Hepatitis B Core Antibody Differentiation Blood Test…
The Hepatitis B Core Antibody Differentiation Blood Test, IgG and IgM assesses Hepatitis B virus infection.
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Blood Test, FibroSure
A HCV Blood Test, FibroSure is an assessment of Liver status following a diagnosis of HCV.
Protein Electrophoresis Blood Test, Reflex to IFE
The Protein Electrophoresis Blood Test is used to help monitor or diagnose disease categories as acute or chronic inflammation, liver disorder, hypogammaglobulinemia, and possible monoclonal gammopathies.
ASH FibroSure Blood Test
This ASH FibroSure Blood Test is intended for noninvasive assessment of liver status in patients with alcoholic liver disease.
Corticosteroids 17 Hydroxy Urine Test, 24-Hour
A corticosteroids 17 hydroxy urine Test, 24-hour measures the levels of 17-hydroxy corticosteroid (17-OHCS), an inactive product formed when the liver and other body tissues break down the steroid hormone, cortisol.
PTH Antibody Blood Test
This PTH Antibody Blood Test is used to help evaluate autoimmune disorders involving parathyroid gland that may result in the production of anti-PTH & hypo-parathyroidism.
