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Liver tests are performed both in the prevention and diagnosis of liver diseases. Prophylactic examinations of the liver should be performed regularly, preferably together with other prophylactic examinations. On the other hand, diagnostic tests result from the current needs of a doctor to make a diagnosis and are performed when a disease is suspected. Check what tests are performed in the prevention and diagnosis of liver diseases and what they are based on.

Liver testsare performed both in the prevention and diagnosis of liver diseases.Preventive examinations of the livershould be performed regularly, preferably together with other preventive examinations. In this way, the chances of early detection of possible liver diseases are increased, and thus - their quick recovery. This is especially true of hepatitis B and C, the course of which is often hidden and may last up to several years. In turn, the indication forliver diagnostic testsare disturbing symptoms, such as pain in the abdominal cavity in the right hypochondrium or dark urine.

Liver tests: medical history and physical examination

Basic diagnosis of liver diseasesincludes medical history, which is gathering information about the nature, duration and type of liver problems, and physical examination. Then the doctor makes a palpation - he moves his flat hand over the part of the abdomen where the liver is located, slightly pressing it in search of any changes. A physical examination can determine the size and hardness of the liver.

Liver tests: blood tests

Blood tests to determine the condition of the liver are:

  • liver tests, i.e. liver function monitoring test (total protein, total bilirubin, ASPAT, ALAT)
  • GGTP - the test recognizes damage to the liver parenchyma, bile ducts. It is especially helpful in the diagnosis of alcohol-related liver diseases
  • alkaline phosphotase - diagnoses liver diseases with cholestasis
  • HBs antigen - allows you to diagnose hepatitis B
  • HCV antibodies - allows you to find out about contact with the hepatitis C virus.

Liver tests: urine tests

WIn order to assess the condition of the liver, a urine test should be performed and attention should be paid to the color and density of the urine, and to the presence of bilirubin and red blood cells in the urine. It is worth knowing that dark urine is characteristic of liver diseases associated with disturbed bile outflow, and the presence of bilirubin and its metabolites in the urine may indicate viral inflammation, cirrhosis or liver cancer. Urine density changes in advanced liver diseases with ionic disturbances. In turn, hematuria may indicate coagulation disorders.

Non-invasive liver tests

Liver ultrasound

The ultrasound of the liver, which takes place during the ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, allows you to assess the size and structure of the organ, any changes occurring on its surface, e.g. nodules or cysts, as well as the image of the bile ducts.

Computed tomography of the liver

Computed tomography of the liver is a more accurate examination than ultrasound because it allows you to create a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image of the liver. As a result, it is used to detect more serious liver changes: extensive focal lesions and diffuse changes in the liver, which is helpful in the diagnosis of liver cancer, cirrhosis and fatty liver disease. Computed tomography of the liver is also a routine examination performed in patients after liver transplantation.

Liver scintigraphy

Liver scintigraphy is a test that aims to obtain an image of the liver, so that its size, structure, tissue defects and inflammatory changes can be determined. The isotope examination of the liver consists in the intravenous administration of radioactive isotopes, the so-called radiotracers that enter the liver cells through the bloodstream. Any changes occurring in the radiotracers are captured by a scintigraphy, so they can be observed on the monitor screen.

Liver Arteriography

Liver arteriography is an X-ray examination that visualizes the system of arterial vessels in the liver, which allows to assess the changes taking place in them. For this purpose, the so-called contrast, and then takes a series of x-rays that are displayed on the computer monitor.

Invasive liver tests

Liver Laparoscopy

The examination is carried out using a laparoscope - a tube with a small camera and a light source. The laparoscope is inserted into the body through a small incision in the skin and then moved towards the liver. This examination is the most accurate form of liver examination as it enables its macroscopic evaluation.

Liver biopsy

Researchconsists in collecting (under local anesthesia) a fragment of liver tissue with a suspected lesion or damage using a special needle. The sample is then sent to a laboratory where it is examined under a microscope. Biopsy results are usually obtained after 1-2 weeks. A liver biopsy is performed when inflammation, cirrhosis (liver damage), benign tumors, cancer and certain infections are suspected.

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