Which blood tests should I be asking f... - British Liver Trust

British Liver Trust

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Which blood tests should I be asking for.

Blue-shade profile image
13 Replies

Hi everyone.

I have a question re blood tests.

I did manage to get my results from a couple of months ago and have been trying to understand them. I will post them here and I do hope it’s ok, not for everyone to see my results but to tell me what I have not had tested.

I read all I could on the pages here on the site and reading the posts etc to gain as much knowledge as I can has left me confused. I don’t understand the abbreviations firstly but I see people referring to tests that are not on my results. What’s more they seem to be the most important, at least I think so.

I will make one final effort tomorrow morning with my practise to do more tests, I was hoping to ask specifically for the most important.

Thank you all in advance.

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13 Replies
AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

What you have had there is the standard set of Liver Bloods or what were previously known as liver function tests & all are spot on normal.

Usually you'd also get full blood count (FBC) which measures red and white blood cells (all types) plus platelets. An INR (International Normalized Ratio) and PT (Prothombrin Time) would measure blood clotting time. Also, U's & E's - urea and electrolytes which is basically kidney function tests.

I think Richard suggested an Elf test which you can read more about here. siemens-healthineers.com/en...

Hopefully when you have your private consultantation you'll learn more.

Katie

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to AyrshireK

Thank you Katie I was going to ask for the ELF test

I am unsure of AST and GGT. I see people talking about them and they are listed on the tests to take but not sure I have had them.

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply to Blue-shade

No you've not had AST (aspartate aminotransferase) test or GGT (Gamma-glutamyl transferase) on those bloods. Neither are purely liver related and arn't usually on a standard set of bloods and there may be a reason why your doctor hasn't ordered them.

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to AyrshireK

Thank again for your knowledge. 🙏

Carp01 profile image
Carp01 in reply to AyrshireK

AST a d GGT normally from a LFT and are indicative of Liver Enzime activity or release. They can also be influenced by other factors. In Ireland and Europe you won't get an LFT set without these.

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to Carp01

Thank you.I will ask for these also.

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK

If there are any particular abbreviations which have you stumped just ask away and we'll explain any that you are unsure off. I started a thread some time ago too which might help it's all about the abbreviations & acronyms most commonly used on the forum because often we do tend to slip into their use without realising that some folks arn't up to speed with them all.

You'll find that thread at:- healthunlocked.com/britishl...

Katie

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to AyrshireK

Thank you for the link. That’s a great help.

Hi Blue-shade, I'll attach a link to blood tests explained which you may find useful

britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

Is there something in particular that is concerning you? Hope you get on ok at your GP appointment.

Trust10

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to

Thank you for that. To be honest I have many things worrying me and the more I read the worse it gets. I guess that’s normal when you know you have problems, yet your doctor won’t help. This morning I asked for the blood tests to be done again on the ask my GP app. as of now they have not even acknowledge it.

I have new fleeting stabbing pains this morning in my liver area a bit like sticking a needle in.

Brought forward my appointment to tomorrow for the consultation at the private hospital, it is with a general surgeon but I am hoping he will understand my issues and help me to get a diagnosis.

AyrshireK profile image
AyrshireK in reply to Blue-shade

I hate to say it but the more you read the more you are fuelling your health anxiety and it is becoming an obsession that will actually lead to the development of real symptoms.

You've had totally normal blood tests several time so that proves you don't have the 'liver failure' you've alluded to in a previous post. Yes you can have normal bloods and compensated cirrhosis but cirrhosis with symptoms generally shows in deranged bloods.

You are concerned about your liver so guess what you've now developed a pain in your liver. I am not saying it's all in your head but you have to be wary of questioning every result your doctor gives you, you have to accept that these tests are tried and tested, have levels of 'tolerance' to alleviate inaccurate results and what we get told is generally correct.

You have diabetes which can contribute to fatty liver & you see a cardiologist (so have you some history of heart disease too) fatty liver is the thing I would tackle first - start doing all you can to look after your liver, maybe it is a bit fatty, even a bit enlarged which can lead to twinges. Liver disease is generally silent though, most folks don't even know they have it.

I am not sure what additional information a general surgeon will give you about your various issues it sounds like you just need a good health kick both physically and mentally.

Katie

Blue-shade profile image
Blue-shade in reply to AyrshireK

I didn’t choose the Dr. Katie 😊I was told I would need to see some one to be able to get the scan. This doctor was recommended by the hospital. I appreciate what you are saying and I agree a lot of it could well be mental, I have had anxiety issues all my life.

I will see what happens tomorrow, regarding a scan.

LorraineLouise profile image
LorraineLouise

All your lab results seem to be within normal limits. May of us would love those results.

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