The liver is a storehouse of a wide number of chemical and metabolic functions. Optimum functioning of the entire body depends largely upon the health of the liver. Apart from regularization of bodily functions, the liver also has a unique ability to regenerate its own tissues. It also performs the most important task of the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates from the food that we eat.
When advised to undergo a liver function test, the first question asked by such patients is what food to avoid before the test and how to prepare for a liver function test. Before understanding how to prepare for the liver test, it would be worthwhile to know in brief regarding liver function test itself.
As the name suggests, a liver function test is a blood test done to assess the functioning of the liver by measuring various parameters.
The table below mentions parameters of a liver function test along with their normal range:
Sr. No. | Liver Function Test Parameter | Normal Range |
1. | Total Bilirubin | 0.3 – 1.3 mg/dl |
2. | Conjugated Bilirubin | 0.1 – 0.4 mg/dl |
3. | Unconjugated Bilirubin | 0.2 – 0.9 mg/dl |
4. | Aspartate Aminotransferase (SGOT) | 12 – 38 U/L |
5. | Alanine Aminotransferase (SGPT) | 7 – 41 U/L |
6. | Alkaline Phosphatase | 40 – 125 U/L |
7. | Total Proteins | 5.2 – 8.2 g/dl |
8. | Serum Albumin | 2.4 – 4 g/dl |
9. | Serum Globulin | 2 – 3.5 g/dl |
10. | Prothrombin time (PT) | 11 – 13.5 seconds |
11. | Gamma Glutamyl transferase | 9 – 85 U/L |
Even a mild abnormality in liver function test values can be a result of an underlying liver disorder which needs to be evaluated and treated accordingly.
Dietary restrictions before reporting for a liver function test are certainly a major part of preparing for the test. The reason why avoiding certain foods is important is because these foods tend to commonly affect the enzyme levels and give false-positive results.
Food eaten even on the previous night of a liver function test can influence test results. The liver is solely responsible for proteins, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Therefore, in order to achieve accurate test results, there are certain foods to be avoided before going for a liver function test.
Let your doctor know if you happen to eat any of the foods mentioned above, or consume alcohol or take any of the prescription medications which you have been told not to, on the previous night or just shortly before the liver function test so that the test can re-scheduled and you can be well prepared when you report for the next test and inaccurate test results can be avoided.
Dr. Himanshi is a Homoeopathic consultant and currently working as a lecturer in Post-graduate faculty of Homeopathy, Parul University, Vadodara. Completed BHMS and MD in Homeopathy in January 2018 and also has a clinical experience of about 6 years. Personal interests include reading, spending time with family and traveling.
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