The liver is one of the most significant organs in the human body. It is a large organ with multiple functions. The liver produces many different chemicals that are needed for digestion to take place. Blood also flows through the liver and is cleaned of many different types of toxins. Protein synthesis is another important liver function. The complicated nature of the liver makes it impossible for the organ to be replaced. It may be possible for medication to help with liver function or to assist the liver, but the organ must be intact and at least partially functioning for an individual to survive. Liver disease is thus a dangerous condition as it can be fatal. There are many different liver function tests that can be conducted on an individual.
A liver function test usually refers to what is also known as a liver panel test. The liver panel test is actually a collection of tests that are conducted on a sample of blood. A liver panel uses a blood sample collected from a vein in the upper forearm of the individual. This blood collection process is the same as a normal blood test and is the only part of the procedure where the patient is involved. After this, the blood is sent to a laboratory where it is tested for the various components that are expected in a healthy liver. All the components that are being tested should appear within specific ranges in the blood. This range represents the normal range for the concerned component. If there is an elevation or a depression in the level of the concerned component then that is used as a diagnostic criteria. More on liver tests
Abnormal liver function tests in children are used to check the function of the child’s liver. Abnormal liver function at this age may affect growth and can have long term effects on the health of the child. Abnormal liver function tests in children are conducted to check if there is any problem with the nutrition being fed to the child. Children are often more susceptible to diseases than adults because their immune systems may be underdeveloped. This is another reason why abnormal liver function tests in kids are conducted. Children are also vulnerable to ingesting poisonous substances because of their inherent curiosity. This may lead to the consumption of certain chemicals present in the household like cleaning agents. Abnormal liver function tests in toddlers may be conducted to check for liver damage caused by poisonous substances the child may have consumed when playing. Abnormal liver function tests in children therefore are very helpful in getting early and effective treatment to the child.