which blood tests give the best indication of liver health

[Rshc]

so see previous post about blood test, we might be actually getting hold of them tomorrow! Can someone let me know the main tests we should be looking at which will give an indication of liver function. If anyone wouldn't mind giving a brief explanation of why that particular test is an important indicator that would be amazing too. Thanks so much and so sorry for all the questions, we are only 3 months since diagnosis and there is so much to learn. Am so grateful to people sharing their stories and knowledge

[jess_j]

If you got a CBC done it should show the liver enzymes, GGT, ALT, AST, and Alkaline Phosphatase. If those are abnormal, that's a sign of liver damage. You'll also want to check for an abnormal level of blood urea nitrogen, which will be labelled BUN. Usually low levels mean there's liver damage. Low levels of creatine on a CBC can also indicate liver issues. Those are the main signs of poor liver function you can get from a blood test. I've had liver disease all my life and my CBC shows all of those signs. Hope this helps!

[Debs365 in reply to jess_j]

Sorry to jump on , when you say low creatine do you mean lower than the cut off point or low on the scale of normal range? Hope this makes sense 😂

[jess_j in reply to Debs365]

Lower than the cut off point for a normal range. For example, my creatinine level is 0.59 mg/dL and the normal range is 0.70 - 1.10. This means my levels are abnormally low.

[kensimmons]

There are many overviews of the tests out there but the Mayo Clinic, which is often regarded as among the best in the world, gives this basic overview. If you google "Liver Blood Tests" you can find many more links online. I'll throw in Stanford too for good measure.

Other tests will also be run depending on what your doctors think might have caused your issues. Alcohol? A test will be run. A virus (like HepatitisC)? A test will be run.

mayoclinic.org/tests-proced...

stanfordhealthcare.org/medi...

[BritishLiverTrust1 Partner British Liver Trust]

You may also find this page useful on the British Liver Trust website: britishlivertrust.org.uk/in...

[Rshc in reply to BritishLiverTrust1]

are you able to advise why he might not be being tested for AST and GGT - I cannot see these on his bloods unless they are called something else. thanks

[BritishLiverTrust1 Partner British Liver Trust in reply to Rshc]

This may be something you would like to have a chat with the nurses on our helpline about. The number is 0800 652 7330 and you can ring between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

[Rshc]

thank you everyone

[Ruggerhead]

Also to know how Dr's interpret the tests is a good idea, and plenty on you tube links that explains it in laymans terms. But in a nutshell your Dr looks at LFT's from an enzyme/ damage point of veiw ie the likes of AST/ALT, and then from a function point of view. Meaning that if your liver is damaged especially acutely, then most often Dr's look at patterns, ie is it just ALT that is raised more (liver specific) or AST, or both. Is it Alk Phos/ GGT raised levels which could indicate problems in the bile tree process. Then what is the livers main job? Meaning what are the Bilirubin, Albumin, Protein, INR, clotting time etc levels. The Consultants look for patterns that can help them pinpoint the area that is inflamed or especially if that damage is acute, ie hepatitis, alcohol driven etc. Chronic and autoimmune problems can be harder as the bloods may be normal. But its actually very interesting, I always arrive at my consultants with all my bloods done, every couple of months, and I go through them with a fine tooth comb, looking for any abnormal ranges, looking at other liver fibrosity ratios etc. In fact it was my own research that had me insist that I have a Fibrascan as I knew sonmething was up. Again have a look on you tube to get a basic understanding, but as we all say consult with your Dr, Mr Google can be a strange and worrying place.

[Rshc]

so we finally got the bloods (going back to Dec) and does not seem to be being tested for AST OR GGT unless its called something different. If it helps we are in the UK

[deanw41]

Hi there,when I was in hospital my GGT was 657 and my AST was about 400. My was Alcohol.

[Rshc in reply to deanw41]

thanks for reply. Was this in the UK. My partner doesnt seem to being tested for these. Thanks

[deanw41 in reply to Rshc]

Yes in the UK. I know they look at all sorts to get the bigger picture.😊