CBC LFT refers to a combined set of blood tests: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Liver Function Tests (LFTs). These tests are frequently ordered together to assess overall health and identify potential problems with blood cell production and liver function.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
A CBC is a broad blood test that provides information about various components of your blood. It measures:
- Red blood cells (RBCs): Indicates oxygen-carrying capacity and potential anemia or polycythemia.
- White blood cells (WBCs): Reveals the body's infection-fighting ability and potential infections or immune disorders. An abnormally low WBC count (leukopenia) can be linked to alcohol abuse and liver damage, highlighting the connection between CBC and LFTs.
- Platelets: Crucial for blood clotting; abnormal levels may indicate bleeding disorders or clotting issues.
- Hemoglobin and hematocrit: Measures the amount of hemoglobin (oxygen-carrying protein) in your blood, reflecting the overall health of red blood cells.
The CBC can help diagnose and monitor many diseases, reflecting problems with fluid volume, blood loss, and abnormalities in blood cell production, lifespan, and destruction. [Source: UCSF Health]
Liver Function Tests (LFTs)
LFTs are a panel of blood tests that assess the health and function of your liver. They measure levels of various enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. Elevated or lower-than-normal levels of these substances can indicate liver damage or disease. Examples of LFTs include:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): An enzyme predominantly found in the liver. Elevated levels often suggest liver injury. [Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine]
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Another liver enzyme; elevated levels also indicate potential liver damage. [Source: Cleveland Clinic]
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP): An enzyme found in the liver and other tissues; elevated levels may indicate liver problems, bone disease, or other conditions.
LFTs are important in diagnosing liver diseases, monitoring the effectiveness of liver treatments, and assessing overall liver health. [Source: MedlinePlus]
Why Order CBC and LFTs Together?
Ordering CBC and LFTs together is beneficial for several reasons:
- Comprehensive assessment: Provides a broader picture of overall health, detecting problems affecting both the blood and the liver simultaneously.
- Identifying underlying causes: Abnormal results in one test can help explain abnormalities in the other. For instance, liver disease can affect blood cell production, resulting in abnormal CBC results. Conversely, certain blood disorders might indirectly affect liver function.
- Cancer staging: In cancer care, especially in breast cancer staging, both CBC and LFTs are used pre-treatment to assess overall patient health. [Source: PubMed]
In summary, CBC and LFTs are valuable diagnostic tools, frequently utilized together to offer a comprehensive evaluation of a patient’s health status.
