Is a liver check done with color ultrasound or blood test?
Apr 12, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Liver examination can generally be performed using color ultrasound or blood tests. Therefore, the specific choice between color ultrasound and blood testing depends on the individual situation. If a comprehensive assessment of the liver is needed, both color ultrasound and blood tests can be conducted simultaneously. If only liver function evaluation is desired, a blood test may be sufficient. If there is suspicion of structural abnormalities or tumors in the liver, color ultrasound is recommended.
Liver examination can generally be done through color ultrasound, or by blood tests.
Color ultrasound is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to observe the liver's shape, size, structure, and blood flow, as well as detect conditions such as liver cysts, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Blood tests can measure indicators of liver function, hepatitis viruses, and liver cancer markers. Liver function tests include serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, which reflect the liver's metabolic and excretory functions. Hepatitis virus testing includes screening for hepatitis B and C viruses to determine whether there is an infection. Liver cancer marker tests, such as alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), help detect the presence of liver cancer.
Therefore, the choice between color ultrasound and blood testing depends on individual circumstances. For a comprehensive assessment of liver health, both color ultrasound and blood tests may be performed together. If only liver function status is of concern, a blood test alone may suffice. If structural abnormalities or tumors in the liver are suspected, color ultrasound is recommended.
