Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Why You Might Need A Liver Function Test After A Trip To The ER

by Freddie Cox

A liver function test is sometimes necessary to determine the health of your liver. The function test measures proteins, bilirubin, and enzymes found in your blood. Based on the test results, the ER can determine if something is wrong with your liver. They may be able to discover a problem with your liver, such as hepatitis or any number of other conditions.

How the Liver Function Test Works

If you have recently suffered from a medical condition and your doctor believes you might have experienced liver damage, you can check for liver damage through a liver function test. You might also be taking medications and might need to monitor the side effects of these medications.

You should determine the best treatments if you suffer from a liver disorder. Finally, if you consume a lot of alcohol, you might need this test to determine how much your liver has been damaged. Your family might have a history of fatty liver disease, and it would make sense to be tested for this condition.

Tests Available

There are many types of liver function tests you can receive. The main types of liver function tests are:

  • The total protein test
  • The bilirubin test
  • The LDH test
  • The prothrombrin test
  • The total protein test

To participate in the test, a sample will be sent to a testing center. For example, if you are checked into an emergency room, they might have your liver tested. A nurse will draw your blood to be sent to the testing center.

The Analysis of Your Blood Sample

Your blood sample is then sent to the lab to be analyzed. Depending on the type of tests performed on the blood sample, you might receive the results back in hours or days. 

The Results

When you receive the liver function test results, you will see several values for the substances that the tests measured. The correct range for each substance will be based on your age, weight, and gender. Elevated ALT levels, for example, can indicate that your liver is stressed. 

You might need help understanding the test results after they are returned. However, it would be best to speak with the doctor you saw at the ER and your primary care doctor about what they mean. Your doctor may need to run more tests to determine whether you need to undergo a particular treatment regimen. Then, you are more likely to have a better outcome with your medical condition.

For more information on ER laboratory testing, contact your local ER.


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About Me

Coping with Chronic Health Conditions: Tips

Ever since I was a young girl, I have had bad asthma and allergies. I had to stay in the hospital several times when I was in elementary school just to help get my asthma under control and it seemed like I was trying medication after medication with little success. I don't remember all of my childhood health details, since I was so young, but my mother has "filled in the blanks" for me. Thanks to modern medicine and a natural remedy, my health conditions are currently under control and have been for a few years now. I am very grateful for my good health, and I want to "pay it back" to others by creating a blog where I will post my health tips. I hope I can help you learn how to achieve good health!