Liver function tests
Liver function tests
Liver function tests (pronunciation: /ˈlɪvər ˈfʌŋkʃən tɛsts/) are a group of tests that are used to assess the health and functionality of the liver. These tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood, which can indicate if the liver is damaged or diseased.
Etymology
The term "liver function tests" is derived from the English words "liver", "function", and "tests". The word "liver" comes from the Old English "lifer", which is of unknown origin. The word "function" comes from the Latin "functio", meaning "performance, execution". The word "tests" comes from the Old French "test", meaning "small vessel".
Types of Liver Function Tests
There are several types of liver function tests, including:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) test: This test measures the level of ALT in the blood. ALT is an enzyme that is found primarily in the liver. High levels of ALT can indicate liver damage.
- Aspartate transaminase (AST) test: This test measures the level of AST in the blood. AST is an enzyme that is found in several parts of the body, including the liver. High levels of AST can also indicate liver damage.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test: This test measures the level of ALP in the blood. ALP is an enzyme that is found in several parts of the body, including the liver. High levels of ALP can indicate liver disease or blockage of the bile ducts.
- Bilirubin test: This test measures the level of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a waste product that is produced by the liver. High levels of bilirubin can indicate liver disease or other conditions.
- Albumin test: This test measures the level of albumin in the blood. Albumin is a protein that is produced by the liver. Low levels of albumin can indicate liver disease or malnutrition.
Related Terms
- Hepatitis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the liver. It can be detected through liver function tests.
- Cirrhosis: This is a condition that causes scarring of the liver. It can be detected through liver function tests.
- Jaundice: This is a condition that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can be detected through liver function tests.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Liver function tests
- Wikipedia's article - Liver function tests
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski