Liver function test

How liver function home test kits can help detect early signs of liver disease

If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption, being overweight, or how other factors in your life may affect your liver health, our Liver blood test kits can help you to make lifestyle changes. The home liver function test is an easy and convenient at-home finger-prick blood test kit, used to check for liver enzymes, such as alanine transferase (ALT) and gamma GT (GGT), and to measure your liver function for any signs of inflammation.

What to expect from your at-home liver function test

The Liver function test kit checks for specific biomarkers in your blood. These include:

• Bilirubin, which is produced when haemoglobin in red blood cells is broken down. Bilirubin is removed from your body through urine and faeces, via the liver
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), an enzyme found in the liver and bones. ALP can be used to show ongoing liver, bone or gallbladder disease
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), an enzyme mostly found in the liver. ALT is an accurate measure for inflammation of the liver. It can show signs of liver damage caused by alcohol, drugs, or viruses such as hepatitis
• Gamma GT (gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)), which is raised in liver disease. GGT is used to diagnose alcohol abuse and in combination with ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease
• Total Protein. This is the total of albumin and globulin in your blood. It helps to keep blood within blood vessels, transport nutrients and fight infection
• Albumin, a protein made mainly in the liver that helps to hold water within the blood, carry nutrients, hormones and other substances in the blood, as well as help with tissue growth and healing
• Globulin, a group of proteins made by the immune system and liver. Globulins transport iron in the blood, bind with haemoglobin and help fight infection in the body

What kinds of things can a liver panel tell you?

• If you have liver inflammation
• If the inflammation is alcohol-related or metabolic
• If the problem is in your liver or in the bile ducts
• How much your liver function or bile flow is impaired
• If medications are affecting your liver, and by how much

How does a liver function home test kit work?

You can use our Liver blood test in the comfort of your home using our finger-prick blood test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.

What are the benefits of the liver blood test?

• The home test kits are assembled within the UK
• All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
• All laboratory testing is performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory

Frequently asked questions about liver function tests

What is tested in a liver function home test kit?

The liver function kit tests for:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT), an enzyme released into the blood when liver cells are damaged
• Aspartate transaminase (AST), an enzyme released into the blood when there are liver or heart problems
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), used to show ongoing liver, bone or gallbladder disease
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), used to diagnose alcohol abuse and in combination with ALP to distinguish between bone or liver disease

How accurate are liver function home test kits compared to GP tests?

Home liver function test kits are not as accurate as GP tests, and provide a limited amount of information.

How long does it take to receive liver function test results from a home kit?

Your liver function test results will be available within one working day of receiving your sample at the laboratory.

When should I consider using an at-home liver function test kit?

You may consider using an at-home liver function test kit if you are concerned about your liver health. Some factors that may be of concern to you are:

• Your alcohol consumption
• Your weight
• Family history of liver disease
• Viral hepatitis
• Medications you may be taking

What causes liver disease?

Liver disease can be caused by drinking too much alcohol regularly, taking certain drugs, being overweight, and viral infections, such as hepatitis. Other causes include cancer, genetic and autoimmune conditions.

Can I find out if I have liver problems from a blood test?

Liver blood tests help to investigate your liver health and can help to identify liver disease.

Do I need to fast before a liver test?

No, this is not normally required. You may however need to fast if your test is taken at the same time as other biomarkers, such as iron, blood glucose, or cholesterol.

How can I keep my liver healthy?

Exercise and a healthy balanced diet are the best ways to keep your liver healthy and to reduce your risk of liver disease.

What increases my risk of fatty liver disease?

You are at a higher risk of fatty liver disease if you:

• Are over 50
• Are overweight or obese
• Drink alcohol regularly
• Smoke
• Have high blood pressure
• Have type 2 diabetes
• Have an underactive thyroid
• Have high cholesterol

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Symptoms may include:

• Jaundice (Yellowing of your skin and whites of the eyes)
• Feeling or being sick
• Loss of appetite
• Tiredness
• Itchy skin