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Description
Advanced Liver Blood Test
An Advanced Liver Health blood test (formerly known as Liver Function Test LFT’s) will look to understand how well the liver is functioning and will also check your cholesterol levels as well.
Testing the blood for liver health can indicate a number of conditions and health issues, or it can be used as part of a diagnosis. Issues that impact the health of the liver include hepatitis, cirrhosis and non-alcohol related fatty liver disease.
An important function of the liver is to produce and get rid of cholesterol in your body.
If we have too much Non HDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), not only will it potentially increase your risk of heart attack or stroke, it may also affect your liver.
Cholesterol from eating food mostly ends up in your liver. If there is too much you may be at risk of fatty liver disease which may in due course turn into liver disease.
If you have high cholesterol and are wanting to try and reduce the risks, there are certain lifestyle changes which may help such as:
- Reduce eating high saturated fat foods
- Exercise more, at least 150 minutes per week
- Stop smoking
- Reduce alcohol to less than 14 units per week
- Eating more fibre
- Maintaining a healthy weight
Liver disease doesn’t always cause noticeable signs and symptoms. If signs and symptoms of liver disease do occur, the may include:
- Skin and eyes that appear yellowish (jaundice)
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Swelling in the legs and ankles
- Itchy skin
- Dark urine color
- Pale stool color
- Chronic fatigue
- Nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Tendency to bruise easily
Testing for liver health
The test can be performed using a small amount of blood from a finger prick which you can do yourself.
How often should I have a liver blood test?
We recommend checking your liver health when you experience any health changes, any symptoms listed, or six months after commencing a healthier lifestyle, such as giving up alcohol.
Other Questions
- Regularly taking medication which may affect your liver
- Regularly drinking excess alcohol
- Poor diet
- Carrying excess weight
- Regularly eating high saturated fat foods
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Drinking excess alcohol regularly
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
This blood test is to check on:
- Liver Health (Previously known as Liver Function Test “LFT’s”)
- Cholesterol
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test which needs to be taken first thing in the morning and posted on the same day on a Monday, Tuesday,or Wednesday.
Collection method: Finger prick
Results available: 2-3 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the end product of the breakdown of red blood cells (haemoglobin) It is produced in bone marrow cells and the liver. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance and is found in bile which is a fluid in your liver which helps breakdown food. It is excreted through urine and faeces.
The blood test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood.
Albumin
Albumin, also known as ALB, is a protein made by your liver. Albumin is used to carry hormones, vitamins and enzymes around the body and keep fluid in your
bloodstream to avoid leaking into other tissues.
Globulin
Globulins are a serum protein needed for our growth and development and overall health.
They are produced in the liver and immune system. Different proteins make up the globulin family and many bind with haemoglobin in the blood. Some are involved in the transportation of metals such as iron, whilst others are part of the immune system to help fight infections.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
Alkaline Phosphatase known commonly as ALP is an enzyme mainly found in the liver, kidneys, bones and digestive system.
The test measures the ALP in your blood.
Alanine Transaminase (ALT)
Alanine Transaminase, known as ALT, is an enzyme most commonly found in the liver. Damaged liver cells release ALT into the bloodstream.
The test measures the amount of ALT in the blood.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Gamma-glutamyl transferase, commonly known as GGT, is an enzyme found throughout the body, however it is most commonly found in the liver.
The test will measure the amount of GGT in the blood.
Total Protein
Proteins are important building blocks for the health and growth of the body’s cells and tissues.
A total protein test measures the amount of albumin and globulin in your body.
Cholesterol
Your liver makes cholesterol and can be found in many foods you eat such as dairy, meats and fish.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein).
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol as it can block up our blood vessels causing them to narrow. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in these narrow vessels leading to a heart attack.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is known as the good cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
Non-HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. The higher the number of the Non-HDL cholesterol may be indicative that you could be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods we eat (such as dairy, meat,oils) or made by our liver.
Any excess calories your body doesn’t need straight away is converted into Triglycerides and stored in your fat cells to be used when needed for energy.
How it Works
1. Order and Receive Your Test
Order your Blood Test.
Receive it directly at home or work.
Delivered by courier with Free shipping.
2. Take the Easy Finger-prick Blood Test
Activate your test online.
Collect 2-3 drops of blood.
3. Freepost your Blood sample to our laboratories
Use the pre-paid package to post to our laboratories.
Simply drop it into your nearest high-priority Royal Mail postbox.
4. Our laboratory team run the tests
Tests are run by our staff in a clean and secure environment.
All possible measures are taken to keep Vampires out.
5. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
Login to your account to review the results.
6. Track your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests, you can track your results.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
What’s In The Test?
Home to laboratory kit
- Blood Test
- A prepaid return envelope (UK & Ireland only)
- Two single-use lancets
- One blood collection tube
- One blood collection tube label
- One plastic blood collection tube case
- Two adhesive plasters
- A cleansing wipe
