The liver is a rugby ball sized organ that sits just under your ribcage. The liver is essential to digesting your food as well as filtering toxic substances that may enter your body. It is wise to consider the liver as part of your body’s in-built filtration system. If your liver is not functioning properly or you have progressed to liver disease, you may be experiencing a number of symptoms which would have you feeling quite poorly. These symptoms may include:
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Weight loss (loss of appetite)
- Loss of Libido (sex drive)
- Yellowing of skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Liver disease can be caused by a number of factors. Many may already be familiar with alcohol over consumption cirrhosis, but there is also immune system cirrhosis.
Viral hepatitis which is caused by catching a viral infection and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – a product of obesity, are also paths to liver disease.
Liver function can be measured with a simple liver function blood test. These tests can both screen for and monitor liver disease. There is no preparation required for liver function blood tests.
The test is administered by taking a vial of blood from your arm through a needle/syringe which is then submitted to a laboratory where the sample is analysed.
The test measures how well the liver is performing its normal functions of producing protein and clearing bilirubin, a blood waste product.
Some tests measure enzymes that liver cells release in response to damage or disease.
Liver function blood tests are available at Touchwood Pharmacy as part of their phlebotomy services in:
Please contact us for more information about blood liver testing and let our knowledgeable staff assist you with any concerns or queries.
