Why is this procedure done?
Liver function tests are also called LFTs. This test looks at how well your liver is working. Your liver removes toxins, digests food, and makes proteins. There are many individual tests that are a part of LFTs. Sometimes, they help to find diseases that affect other organs like the kidneys or the gallbladder. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚
- Find liver damage or disease
- See how bad the liver is damaged
- Monitor the progression of a disease
- Learn if treatments are working
- Check for drug side effects
- Go along with a routine physical
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What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs treatment.
- If the results are normal, it means your liver is likely working in a normal way.
- If the results are not normal, you may have an illness or problem with your liver. Your doctor may order more tests to learn more about what is wrong with your liver.
- Your doctor may order another test to verify the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What happens before the procedure?
- Talk to your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- How much beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol) you drink
- Any bleeding problems
- Your doctor may tell you to avoid foods, fluids, or drugs 6 to 8 hours before this test.
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The blood will be sent to the lab for testing. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you have a problem with your liver. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Feeling dizzy
- Infection
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/liver-panel/tab/glance ‚
KidsHealth ‚
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/labtest6.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚