Our Liver & Pancreas Package Explained
What are the tests in the Liver & Pancreas Package?
Your liver and pancreas play essential roles in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification. Our Liver & Pancreas Package provides a comprehensive assessment of key enzymes and proteins to detect liver disease, pancreatic issues, and overall organ function.
Please note that our packages are just a guide, you can pick any of these tests, add extra tests or take out any test. Choose what suits your needs!
Full package: R560
Liver function tests are blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. The LTF pannel includes: Albumin , ALP ,ALT , AST and Bilirubin (Total) ,
An albumin blood test gives important information on your liver and kidney function. Albumin is a protein that is found in your blood plasma. Low albumin levels might be the result of kidney disease, liver disease, inflammation or infections. High albumin levels can be caused by dehydration or severe diarrhoea.
Alkaline Phosphatase (Alk Phos) Test
The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test measures how much alkaline phosphatase you have in your blood. You may need this test if you’re at risk for a condition that affects your liver.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) Test
An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test measures the amount of this enzyme in the blood. Proteins called enzymes help the liver break down other proteins so your body can absorb them more easily. It plays a crucial role in metabolism, the process that turns food into energy. ALT is normally found inside liver cells. However, when your liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT can be released into your bloodstream. This causes serum ALT levels to rise. Many times, an increase in ALT is the first sign of a problem and is elevated before other symptoms start to appear.
Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) Test
This test looks for an enzyme that is found mostly in the liver, in addition to our muscles and other organs in our body. When the cells that host AST are damaged, they let AST seep into our blood. So, an AST blood test measures the level of AST in your blood. That is why this test is commonly used to help diagnose liver damage or disease.
This is a blood test that measures the direct and indirect form of bilirubin in the blood. This test is used to find out how well your liver is working. It is often part of a panel of tests that measure liver function. A small amount of bilirubin in your blood is normal, but a high level may be a sign of liver disease.
Direct bilirubin (also called conjugated) is formed in the liver when sugars are attached (conjugated) to bilirubin. It enters the bile and passes from the liver to the small intestines and is eventually eliminated in the stool. Normally, no conjugated bilirubin is present in the blood. You may need this test if your liver doesn’t seem to be working the way it should. Or to check for possible liver damage if you drink a lot of alcohol on a regular basis. For example, drinking too much alcohol can damage the liver over time.
Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase (Gamma GT/ GGT)
The GGT test measures the amount of this enzyme in your blood. Enzymes are molecules that are necessary for chemical reactions in your body. GGT helps to move other molecules around the body. It plays a significant role in helping the liver metabolize drugs and other toxins.
The total protein test measures the total amount albumin and globulin in your body. It’s used as part of your routine health checkup. It may also be used if you have unexpected weight loss, fatigue, or the symptoms of a kidney or liver disease.
An amylase test is a way to measure the amount of amylase in your blood. The pancreas and salivary glands in your mouth make amylase. Amylase is an enzyme, a type of protein, that helps your body break down carbohydrates. There’s normally a small amount of amylase in your blood and urine. But levels that are too high can indicate a health problem.
Additional Tests On Request
Lipase is a type of protein made by your pancreas. Lipase helps your body digest fats. It’s normal to have a small amount of lipase in your blood. But, a high level of lipase can mean you have pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, or another type of pancreas disease. Blood tests are the most common way of measuring lipase.
Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) Test
ADH is a hormone that is produced in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It is then stored and released from the pituitary, a small gland at the base of the brain. ADH acts on the kidneys to control the amount of water excreted in the urine. ADH blood test is ordered when your provider suspects you have a disorder that affects your ADH level. Certain diseases affect the normal release of ADH. The blood level of ADH must be tested to determine the cause of the disease. ADH may be measured as part of a water restriction test to find the cause of a disease.
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We are an independent organization that is committed to creating a positive impact on health & wellness for all in South Africa. We want to close the gap between unscreened, undiagnosed, and uncontrolled HIV & COVID-19 infections as well as other chronic diseases for all South Africans.
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