Alcohol test  (LFT Liver Function)

Alcohol blood test-collection and analysis service.

Liver function tests measure various chemicals in the blood made by the liver.

An abnormal result indicates a problem with the liver, and may help to identify the cause. 

(Further tests may be needed to clarify the cause of the liver problem.) 

• Alanine transaminase (ALT). This is an enzyme that helps to process proteins. (An enzyme is a protein that helps to speed up chemical reactions. Various enzymes occur in the cells in the body.) Large amounts of ALT occur in liver cells. When the liver is injured or inflamed (as in hepatitis), the blood level of ALT usually rises.
• Aspartate aminotransferase (AST). This is another enzyme usually found inside liver cells. When a blood test detects high levels of this enzyme in the blood it usually means the liver is injured in some way. However AST can also be released if heart or skeletal muscle is damaged. For this reason ALT is usually considered to be more specifically related to liver problems.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This enzyme occurs mainly in liver cells next to bile ducts, and in bone. The blood level is raised in some types of liver and bone disease.
• Albumin. This is the main protein made by the liver, and it circulates in the bloodstream. The ability to make albumin (and other proteins) is affected in some types of liver disorder. A low level of blood albumin occurs in some liver disorders.
• Total protein. This measures albumin and all other proteins in blood.
• Bilirubin. This chemical gives bile its yellow/green colour. A high level of bilirubin in your blood will make you jaundiced ('yellow'). Bilirubin is made from haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is a chemical in red blood cells that is released when the red blood cells break down. Liver cells take in bilirubin and attach sugar molecules to it. This is then called 'conjugated' bilirubin which is passed into the bile ducts. 
• Globulin.This describes the specific level of globulins — which include antibodies. This measure can be raised when liver cells are damaged due to autoimmune liver damage or to long-standing liver disease of many types, particularly when cirrhosis exists.
• Gamma GT.Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT or 'gamma GT'). This is another enzyme that occurs in liver cells. A high level of this enzyme is particularly associated with heavy alcohol drinking. (The liver breaks down and clears alcohol from the body and this enzyme is involved in the process.)

We will arrange for a fully qualified phlebotomist to attend at your home or other hygienic location in England or Wales.

A sample of blood will be obtained and forwarded to our accredited laboratory for analysis. 

We will forward the laboratory report to you normally within 24 hours (working days) upon receipt at the laboratory either by email, postal service or fax.

 Speak to an advisor now on 01274 591792