How to check liver function?

The liver is an important part of the human body and is related to human health. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly check liver function. Liver function tests are mainly divided into liver imaging tests and liver biopsy. These tests can be used to determine the health of the liver and provide timely and scientific treatment.

1. Liver function test

Liver disease or liver damage is diagnosed and monitored by "blood tests" that measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood. There are mainly two categories:

First, it checks whether the liver can produce protein and remove bilirubin (a waste product in the blood) normally;

The second is to look at the effects of liver damage or disease on the ability of liver cells to respond (enzymes released).

Note: Certain medications need to be discontinued before liver enzyme testing, and you generally need to fast for at least 8 hours. You need to consult your doctor in advance for specific details.

2. Liver imaging examination

Ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and liver (contrast) scans can be used to take images of the liver and determine whether there is enlargement, lumps, fluid accumulation, blockage, etc.

3. Liver Biopsy

A liver biopsy is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the liver to remove a sample of liver tissue. The sample is then examined under a microscope to look for liver problems.

Some of the samples are sent to a pathology laboratory to be checked for diseases such as liver cancer or cirrhosis.

Other samples are sent to a microbiology laboratory to be checked for infections such as tuberculosis.

Test results usually come back within 2-4 days, but if you are testing for infection, it may take several weeks.

4. How to treat liver disease?

In the early stages of liver disease, the problem can be cured by improving lifestyle, and even in advanced stages of liver disease, a good lifestyle can help limit liver damage.

Medicines such as steroids, surgery, and other treatments may help slow or stop liver disease. The specific treatment method needs to be professionally judged by a doctor based on the patient's condition, and you only need to follow the doctor's advice.

Liver failure can be life-saving with a liver transplant, which is surgery to remove the diseased liver and replace it with a healthy one. Liver transplantation is also divided into total liver transplantation and partial liver transplantation. Partial liver transplantation can be obtained from living donors.

Because the liver has great regenerative capacity and potential, the transplanted part of the liver and the remaining part of the donor's liver may grow back into a whole liver, which is generally believed to take about 1 year.