Liver disease refers to a disorder that may prevent your liver from functioning properly. Cirrhosis and hepatitis are a few examples of liver disease. The liver performs a number of excretory, synthetic and biochemical functions in our body and no single biochemical test can be used in the detection of the global functions of liver. Most laboratories use a number of tests during the initial detection stages and in the management of any liver disease you may have. These tests are known as "Liver function tests".
A liver function test has various uses such as:
- Screening: This is a non-invasive and sensitive modality for screening and helps identify liver dysfunction.
- Pattern of disease: This helps in the recognition of the pattern of disease.
- Assess severity: These tests help assess how severe some diseases are.
- Follow up: Certain liver diseases can be kept track of with the help of a liver test.
Your liver function test cost will depend on the test your health care provider has recommended for you. The liver function test cost or the cost of a basic panel could be anything from $25 to $35. This basically depends on the processing fees for the area lab. The cost of abnormal liver function tests would significantly go up.
You may also go in for a basic liver function test at home to help detect urobilinogen and billirubin levels in your urine. If the results show levels that are raised it may indicate some kind of liver disease. You may go in for a home test if you are experience fatigue, nausea, lack of appetite, and yellowing of the skin. This home liver function test cost will also vary greatly. It is best that you check with your health care provider about the tests that are available over-the-counter.
If abnormal levels of substances such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) are found in your body it indicates that your liver may not be functioning properly. You also have to keep in mind that a high level of liver enzymes does not necessarily mean that you have liver disease. For instance, the elevation of certain enzymes in your blood could be due to muscle damage. It is therefore best that you leave the interpretation of the elevated levels of enzymes in your body to a physician who is experienced in assessing any muscle or liver disease.
Submitted by N S on December 22, 2010 at 05:48