Profile Liver Function

About the research

 A liver profile is a set of tests that allow you to evaluate the excretory and metabolic functions of the liver and detect possible damage to its cells.

The liver is one of the most important organs. It participates in a number of metabolic processes (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, hormonal metabolism, vitamins, iron, copper), produces proteins that ensure constant pressure in blood vessels (albumin), or bile that allows fats digestion. It cleanses our blood of toxins, neutralizes harmful substances, breaks down drugs or used blood cells, produces blood clotting factors. For this reason, liver dysfunction affects the health of the entire body.

The liver is exposed to numerous damages, which, in turn, can lead to its cirrhosis, cancer or even organ failure. Hepatitis viruses are the most serious threat. Risk factors that can cause infection are, among others, blood transfusions, risky sexual contacts, piercings and tattoos made with non-sterile needles, surgical and dental procedures using improperly sterilized instruments, intravenous drug injections.

People who suspect the possibility of infection or already have symptoms should immediately take the necessary tests.

In addition, patients at risk of developing cirrhosis (chronic alcoholism) or liver damage (as a result of long-term medication, poisoning by toxic substances) also have indications for the determination of liver profile indicators included in our test package. It is important to remember that even the smallest symptoms of liver disease should never be underestimated, as initially minor symptoms can cause serious problems.

The aim of the research

Complex tests included in the profile evaluate:

• risk of cardiovascular disease (total cholesterol) the presence of inflammation,
• damage to liver cells, cholestasis in the bile ducts (AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase, GHTP) functioning of metabolic processes in liver,
• breakdown and removal of unnecessary substances (total bilirubin) nutritional status,
• production of protein in the liver,
• absorption of protein in the digestive system (albumin)

This complex is recommended for preventive or regular control in case of patients with disorders of lipid metabolism and risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (obesity, smokers, sedentary, with a diet rich in red meat and animal fats, with diabetes, hypertension)

 However, the main purpose of the tests included in the complex is to diagnose and control the treatment of liver diseases, biliary tract and gastrointestinal tract:

• acute viral hepatitis caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, less often by EBV or CMV viruses
• acute liver failure caused by poisoning with drugs (eg paracetamol) or toxins (eg phalloidin)
• chronic hepatitis, viral (HBV, HCV) or alcoholic; both of these causes lead to the development of liver cirrhosis, increase the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma
•  liver damage with certain medications (eg, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, antipsychotics, antifungals)
• cholestasis (bile stasis, most often with blockage of the bile ducts caused by their stones) cancer, autoimmune diseases of the liver and biliary tract intestinal malabsorption syndromes