Liver Function Tests – LFTs
The Liver Function Blood Test (LFT) measures a wide variety of enzymes, which are released if the liver is damaged, to give an overall impression of Liver health. The Liver Function Blood Tests can help to diagnose some liver diseases, such as liver-scarring (cirrhosis), hepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease and are available at all 18 of our central London clinics.
The test will require a consultation fee from £89 in addition to the individual blood test, though that also comes with the comfort and quality only an experienced GP can provide, which will include a full explanation of the Liver Function Test results. Other liver blood tests and services may also be included during the consultation as well. A Liver Function Test can also be included in different blood test profiles that would also measure the health of other organs and systems.
£64 – Results in 4-6 Hours (Consultation Fee Not Included)
- Bilirubin
- ALT
- AST
- Total Protein
- Alkaline Phos
- Albumin
- Globulin
- Gamma-GT
Cirrhosis
Cirrhosis is defined as the scarring of the liver and is caused by continuous, long-term liver damage, which can be caused by alcohol misuse, being infected by Hepatitis C for a prolonged period of time and non-alcoholic steatohepatits that causes excess fat to build up in the liver. The scar tissue created by liver damage replaces the healthy tissue in the liver and can reduce the functionality of the liver. If the damage is extensive enough this can cease all liver functionality and cause Liver failure. This can be fatal but it is important to note that this spans a long period of time (years) for the liver to reach this stage.
There are a few symptoms to look out for when looking for early stage cirrhosis such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Itchy skin
However during late stage cirrhosis the symptoms can be more extreme, as they can include all of the above as well as:
- Jaundice
- Vomiting Blood
- Build up of fluid in the legs and abdomen
If you see these symptoms then do make sure to contact your GP as soon as possible for a Liver Function Test.
Hepatitis
Hepatitis can come in many forms, and while some can be harmless others can do long lasting damage to your liver. Some of the most damaging viruses in this category are Hepatitis B & C.
Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is spread by the blood of an already infected person and is commonly spread from infected pregnant women to their children. However in exceptional cases Hepatitis B can be spread through unprotected sex or injecting drugs.
Most adults can fight off the Hep B virus within a couple of months however those infected as children develop a long term infection known as chronic Hepatitis B and can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Hepatitis C – Hepatitis C is one of the most common types of viral infection in the UK, and it is spread via blood contact. This means that it is spread in most cases via the sharing of drug needles. Statistics show that only ¼ will be able to fight off the virus while in the other ¾ the virus will develop into the more sinister chronic Hepatitis C which can plague the body for years and cause cirrhosis and liver failure.
The symptoms of Hepatitis can often go unnoticed however if you notice the listed symptoms below do see a doctor or private GP and take a liver function test:
- Muscle and joint pain
- High temperature of 38 degrees and above
- General feeling of being unwell
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Dark urine
- Itchy skin
- Jaundice
Alcohol-Related Liver Disease
Alcohol-related liver disease or (ARLD) doesn’t usually show any symptoms until its late stages whereby the liver is severely damaged. The liver is very resilient and can regenerate itself however by the process of filtering alcohol an amount of liver cells die. These are then later regenerated however long term alcohol misuse can mean that the liver regeneration is degenerated and can result in serious permanent damage to your liver.
Some of the symptoms of ARLD are:
- Feeling sick
- Losing weight
- Loss of appetite
- Jaundice
- Drowsiness
- Vomiting blood
- Swelling in the legs or stomach
If you suspect that you do have ARLD then it is recommended that you see your doctor or private GP and take a Liver function blood test.
At the London Doctors Clinic we realise how important it is that you know and understand the results of the liver function test, which we can get back to you within 4 hours. As one of our most common blood tests, the liver function test is available in all our 18 central London locations.
Liver Function Test near me: Blackfriars, Canary Wharf, Holborn, Kings Cross, Liverpool Street, London Bridge, Oxford Street, Paddington, Victoria and Waterloo.