ORGAN FUNCTION TESTS
PREPARED BY MR. ABHIJIT DAS
FUNCTIONS OF LIVER:
1.
Metabolism:
·
The liver plays a crucial role in
metabolic processes.
· Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins are processed in the liver to produce energy for the body.
2.
Detoxification:
·
The liver acts as a filter, detoxifying
the blood by removing harmful substances.
·
It metabolizes and neutralizes toxins,
drugs, and chemicals, making them less harmful for the body.
3.
Synthesis of Proteins:
·
The liver is involved in the synthesis
of various proteins, including blood clotting factors and albumin.
4. Storage of Nutrients:
·
The liver stores important nutrients
such as glycogen (a form of glucose), vitamins, and minerals.
·
It releases these stored substances into
the bloodstream when the body needs them.
5.
Bile Production:
·
The liver produces bile, a substance
that aids in the digestion and absorption of fats.
· Bile is stored in the gallbladder and released into the small intestine when needed to emulsify fats for better digestion.
LIVER FUNCTION TESTS:
Liver function tests (LFTs) are blood tests that assess liver health. They help diagnose and monitor liver diseases like hepatitis and cirrhosis. Here are the common LFTs:
1. ALT (Alanine aminotransferase): Found mainly in the liver. Elevated levels indicate liver damage. Normal range: 7-56 U/L for men, 5-44 U/L for women.
2. AST (Aspartate aminotransferase): Another liver enzyme. Elevated levels can signal liver damage or heart/muscle issues. Normal range: 8-48 U/L for men, 7-35 U/L for women.
3. ALP (Alkaline phosphatase): Found in many tissues including the gall bladder. High levels can indicate bile duct blockage. Normal range: 45-115 U/L for adults.
4. Bilirubin: Waste product from red blood cell breakdown. High levels suggest liver or bilirubin-processing issues. Normal range: 0.1-1.2 mg/dL.
5. Albumin: Liver-produced protein. Low levels can indicate liver damage. Normal range: 3.5-5.5 g/dL.
6. PT (Prothrombin time): Measures blood clotting time. An abnormal PT suggests liver disease.
Regular LFTs help maintain liver health and catch issues early.
FUNCTIONS OF KIDNEY:
1.
Filtration:
·
The kidneys filter blood to remove waste
products and excess substances.
2.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance:
·
Kidneys help regulate the balance of
water and electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) in the body.
3.
Acid-Base Balance:
·
The kidneys help maintain the body's pH
balance by excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate.
4.
Blood Pressure Regulation:
·
The kidneys play a key role in
regulating blood pressure by adjusting the volume of blood and releasing the
enzyme renin.
5.
Erythropoiesis Regulation:
· The kidneys produce and release erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
RENAL FUNCTION TESTS:
These are tests to check how well kidneys are working.
1. BUN Test (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Measures the level of urea nitrogen in blood, reflecting how well kidneys are filtering waste products. Normal range: 7-20 mg/dL. Elevated levels may indicate kidney dysfunction or dehydration.
2. Creatinine Test: Assesses the level of creatinine in blood, indicating how efficiently kidneys are removing waste products. Normal range: 0.6-1.2 mg/dL for adult males, 0.5-1.1 mg/dL for adult females. Elevated levels can suggest kidney dysfunction.
3. GFR Test (Glomerular Filtration Rate): Determines how effectively your kidneys are filtering waste from the blood per minute. Normal range: Above 120 mL/min. A lower GFR may indicate kidney damage or dysfunction.
4. Urine Analysis:
· Visual Color and Clarity: Observes the color and clarity of urine, which can indicate hydration status and potential health issues. Normal color: Pale yellow to amber; normal clarity: Clear.
· Dipstick Test: Uses a chemical strip to detect abnormalities in urine, such as the presence of blood, protein, glucose, ketones, bilirubin, and nitrites. Abnormal results may suggest various kidney or urinary tract conditions.
· Microscopic Examination: Examines urine sediment under a microscope to detect cells, crystals, bacteria, or other substances not visible to the naked eye. Normal findings include few to no red blood cells, white blood cells, epithelial cells, and crystals.
5. Kidney Imaging Test (CT/MRI): Imaging techniques used to visualize the kidneys and surrounding structures. These tests can identify abnormalities such as tumors, cysts, or kidney stones that may affect kidney function.
LIPID PROFILE TEST
A lipid profile test, also known as a lipid panel or cholesterol
panel, is a blood test that measures the
levels of various lipids (fats) and lipoproteins in the blood. The test
typically measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (often referred to as
"bad" cholesterol), HDL cholesterol (often referred to as
"good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.
A lipid profile test is typically done as a part of a routine medical check-up
or to monitor cholesterol and lipid levels in individuals who have a personal
or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, or other risk factors
for cardiovascular disease.
The recommended
fasting time before a lipid profile test is
typically 9-12 hours, although this may vary depending on the specific
laboratory or doctor's instructions. During this time, it's important to avoid
consuming any food, beverages
(including coffee and tea), or medications (unless
otherwise instructed by your doctor).
The normal
values for a lipid profile test can vary slightly depending on factors
such as age, gender, and overall health status. However, the general
recommended normal ranges are:
- Total
cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
(milligrams per deciliter)
- LDL
cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL (for those
at low risk of heart disease) or less than 70 mg/dL (for those at high
risk of heart disease)
- HDL
cholesterol: Greater than 40 mg/dL for men
and greater than 50 mg/dL for women
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL