What is a liver function test?

Your liver is an organ with many important functions. Some of its functions are that it removes wastes and toxins from your blood, produces bile which aids in food digestion, produces cholesterol and other fat-carrying proteins for the rest of the body, processes hemoglobin, regulates blood clotting, and converts excess glucose to glycogen for storage.

This at home liver function test measures the levels of liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT),  gamma-glutamyltransferase (Gamma GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and bilirubin in the blood. The results of this test can indicate how well your liver is functioning, as well as signs of damage or disease. The test is a finger prick test that you can easily take from home. Your sample will then be examined by a certified laboratory and you will receive the results within a matter of days. It couldn’t be easier!

When should I take this liver function test?

The liver function test of Homed-IQ will look at markers to ensure that your liver is performing properly. Elevated enzyme levels may indicate acute or chronic liver disease.

Reasons to take this test include:

• You have a family history of liver disease
• You have a history of gastrointestinal disease
• You are taking medications which can harm your liver
• You are a heavy drinker
• You take performance enhancing drugs

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

The enzyme ALT is mainly found in the cells of the liver and in smaller amounts within the kidneys, heart and muscle tissue. If the liver is damaged, blood ALT levels can increase. When the drainage of bile fluid is obstructed, blood ALT levels can also rise.

An small increase in ALT values (approximately 1.5 times the reference value) can occur temporarily from alcohol or certain medications. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the ALT test in a few weeks. If a small increase is found again during a repeat test, or if there are liver-related complaints during the first test, this may indicate liver inflammation, alcohol consumption, drug use, or type 2 diabetes. A larger increase in ALT can be caused by acute liver inflammation such as hepatitis, intake of drugs that are harmful to the liver, or non-alcoholic fatty liver. If the result is more than 5 times greater than the reference value, there is a risk of acute liver damage.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. ALP can also be found in the bones, heart, intestines, placenta, and kidneys. Elevated levels of ALP can indicate damage to any of these areas, particularly the liver or bones. If your test result indicates elevated ALP levels, further tests will be needed to identify the source of the increase.

Gamma-Glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT)

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT or GGT) is an enzyme made in the liver that helps convert and digest substances that enter the body through food and drink. Normally the concentration of GGT in the blood is very low, but can become elevated when the liver is overloaded. This happens when the liver must process a high quantity of certain substances in a short period of time, for example with excessive use of certain medications or alcohol. GGT values will also rise when the bile ducts are blocked, with gallbladder problems, or as a result of liver damage. The oral contraceptive pill can cause a decrease in GGT.

Depending on what is causing the rise in liver enzymes, your doctor may advise you to stop drinking alcohol or taking certain medications, lose weight, and/or change your diet.

Bilirubin

Bilirubin is an orange-yellow substance that is created during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver before being excreted from the body. Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver or bile duct problems. Too much bilirubin in the bloodstream can cause jaundice, which causes the eyes and skin to turn yellow.

How soon will I receive my test results?

Once you have collected your sample and then mailed it to our laboratory, it generally takes a few working days before you receive the test result. As soon as your test sample arrives at the laboratory you will receive a notification by email. Once your test result is ready, you will receive a text message and an email from us with a link to your test result. We will therefore keep you well informed throughout the entire testing process!

What does the result of this test mean?

This test measures the liver enzymes ALT, Gamma GT, ALP, and bilirubin levels in your blood. Based on the test result, it can be determined whether there are abnormal levels of certain liver enzymes and whether follow-up care is needed with a GP. You can also consider making lifestyle changes to help improve your liver and kidney health.

Symptoms

Elevated liver enzymes may not produce any symptoms. However, if liver damage or disorder is the cause, symptoms may include:

• Abdominal Pain
• Dark Urine
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea