What Blood Tests Show Liver and Kidney Function?
Several blood tests provide valuable insights into the health of your liver and kidneys. These tests measure various substances in your blood, revealing how well these organs are functioning.
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Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP): This is a common blood test that assesses kidney and liver function, along with other metabolic markers. It includes measurements that reflect how well your kidneys are filtering waste products from your blood and provide a broad overview of liver health. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/blood-test-cmp.html https://www.testing.com/tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel-cmp/ https://www.kidney.org/news-stories/how-to-read-comprehensive-metabolic-panel
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Liver Function Tests (LFTs): These tests specifically focus on your liver's health. Key LFTs include:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST): These enzymes are found in the liver, and elevated levels can indicate liver damage or disease. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/ https://pharmaceutical-journal.com/article/ld/blood-tests-used-to-investigate-liver-thyroid-or-kidney-function-and-disease
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT): These enzymes are also found in the liver and bile ducts; elevated levels can point towards liver or bile duct problems. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/liver-function-tests/about/pac-20394595 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482489/
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Albumin Test: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Low levels of albumin can indicate liver or kidney problems. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/albumin-blood-test/ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22390-albumin-blood-test
Interpreting Results
It's crucial to remember that interpreting blood test results requires medical expertise. A healthcare professional will consider your individual medical history and other factors to diagnose any potential problems. Abnormal results may indicate a need for further investigation. https://www.worker-health.org/liverkidneyscreen.html https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/tests-and-scans/blood-tests
