Advanced Liver Function

Test description

The liver function panel includes ALT and AST enzymes, which are released when liver cells are damaged, GGT which is sensitive to alcohol and bile stasis, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin – a haemoglobin breakdown product metabolised in the liver. The liver is the body's main detoxifying and metabolic organ: it processes medicines, alcohol and toxins, produces blood proteins and clotting factors, stores glycogen and vitamins, and produces bile essential for fat digestion. It also has enormous compensatory abilities, which means damage can develop asymptomatically for years. Warning signs can include chronic fatigue, a feeling of heaviness under the right rib arch, bloating, intolerance to fatty foods, skin itching, and impaired concentration. The most common cause of abnormal results in Western countries today is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, associated with overweight and insulin resistance – a condition that is fully reversible if detected early. We also recommend this test for individuals who regularly consume alcohol, take chronic medications, steroids or numerous supplements, and those who have had hepatitis.

Biomarkers measured