Is a liver function test done by drawing blood?

Dec 30, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a blood sample needs to be drawn to test liver function. It is important to maintain good lifestyle habits, ensure adequate sleep, and reduce the frequency of staying up late and alcohol consumption to alleviate the burden on the liver. At the same time, maintaining a balanced diet with proper nutrition, consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits, and reducing intake of greasy, high-calorie, and high-fat foods can help maintain normal liver function.

Generally, a liver function test requires drawing a blood sample for analysis. The specific process is as follows:

Liver function tests evaluate the health of the liver by measuring changes in the concentrations of various substances in the blood. During the test, a doctor typically uses a small needle to draw an appropriate amount of blood from the patient. This sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis, where indicators related to liver metabolism—such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin—are measured. These indicators can reflect whether the liver's metabolic functions are normal and whether there are any pathological changes.

Maintaining good lifestyle habits is important for liver health. Ensure adequate sleep and reduce the frequency of staying up late and alcohol consumption to lessen the burden on the liver. Additionally, maintain a balanced diet, eat nutritiously, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and limit the intake of greasy, high-calorie, and high-fat foods to help preserve normal liver function.