Interpreting Common Cirrhosis Lab Tests

Receiving your cirrhosis diagnosis is scary enough, you hear the horror stories, see pictures, and let’s not talk about the prevailing guilt you are about to endure. The sad part is that the terror doesn’t end there. Now, you are wracked with countless tests that you don’t fully understand and doctors seem to give the most basic answers. Admittedly, those answers are often filled with medical terminology that can be more scary than the disease itself.

I know those feelings all to well. I sat through the initial appointments, not knowing what the tests were looking for, what the results often meant, and no one seemed to give the answers I wanted. Today, I want to share some of what I have learned with you in an article called Interpreting Common Cirrhosis Lab Test. My hopes is that this will help take some of the mystery out of those results and give you information you can create action on.

Cirrhosis and lab tests

Cirrhosis is a serious liver condition that requires ongoing monitoring to assess its progression and manage potential complications. As the liver becomes increasingly scarred, it can struggle to perform its essential functions, which is why regular testing is crucial for cirrhosis patients. Routine tests help doctors track liver function, detect complications like ascites or varices, and ensure timely interventions. Patients with cirrhosis will typically undergo a variety of blood tests, imaging exams, and screenings, with the frequency of these tests depending on the stage of the disease and any underlying conditions. Common tests include liver function tests (LFTs), ammonia levels, imaging studies, and viral hepatitis panels, all of which provide important information to guide treatment decisions. Regular monitoring helps patients and doctors work together to manage cirrhosis effectively and improve overall health outcomes.

Understanding the results of lab tests is crucial for managing cirrhosis. These tests provide important information about how well your liver is functioning and help doctors monitor the progression of cirrhosis. If you’ve been diagnosed with cirrhosis or are being monitored for liver disease, it’s important to understand the meaning behind the common lab tests. Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the most common lab tests for cirrhosis patients, their purpose, and how to interpret the results.

Blood tests for cirrhosis can help in understanding the complexity behind understanding liver enzymes. We are told how important our liver is and how it affects almost every function in our body, but rarely do we get liver function tests explained in a way that makes sense to the average patient.

Common cirrhosis lab tests

Several common lab tests are used to assess liver health and diagnose cirrhosis. Liver function tests (LFTs) are crucial and measure enzymes and proteins in the blood like alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase. Elevated levels of these substances often signal liver damage. A complete blood count (CBC) evaluates red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, and abnormalities in these counts can be linked to cirrhosis and its complications. Bilirubin, a yellow pigment from the breakdown of red blood cells, is measured, as elevated levels can cause jaundice and indicate liver dysfunction. Albumin, a protein produced by the liver, is also measured, as low levels can reflect impaired liver function and contribute to fluid retention. The prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR) assesses blood clotting time, and an abnormal result can indicate impaired liver function and an increased risk of bleeding.

Further testing may include viral hepatitis serologies to screen for hepatitis B and C, which are common causes of cirrhosis. Autoimmune markers can help identify autoimmune diseases potentially contributing to liver damage. Iron studies assess iron levels, helping identify conditions like hemochromatosis. Ceruloplasmin levels, measuring a protein carrying copper, can indicate Wilson’s disease. Alpha-1 antitrypsin levels, related to lung and liver protection, can reveal a genetic condition predisposing to liver disease. Finally, while not strictly lab tests, imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scan, and MRI are often used to visualize the liver and assess the extent of damage. The specific tests ordered will depend on the individual patient and the suspected cause of cirrhosis, and results should always be interpreted by a healthcare professional.

1. Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that measure the levels of enzymes, proteins, and substances produced by the liver. These tests help doctors assess how well your liver is functioning and whether it’s damaged. Some of the key components of LFTs include:

Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): This enzyme is found in the liver and released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged. High ALT levels can indicate liver damage due to cirrhosis or other liver conditions.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST): Similar to ALT, AST is another enzyme found in the liver. However, AST is not only found in the liver, but also in other organs like the heart and muscles. When AST levels are high, it can suggest liver damage, but it’s less specific than ALT.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme is produced in the liver, bones, kidneys, and bile ducts. High levels of ALP can suggest a blockage in the bile ducts or liver disease.
Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a waste product produced when red blood cells break down. The liver processes bilirubin, and high levels in the blood (known as jaundice) can indicate liver dysfunction or cirrhosis. Elevated bilirubin levels can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Albumin: Albumin is a protein produced by the liver. Low albumin levels can indicate that the liver is not producing enough proteins, which can happen in advanced cirrhosis.