Is fasting required for the five-item liver function test?
Jan 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Gao Jun
Introduction
In general, a five-item liver function test requires fasting. The five-item liver function test typically includes alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and albumin. These indicators are significantly affected by diet; after eating, the levels of fat, protein, and other components in the blood increase, which may affect the accuracy of the test results.
Generally, the term "liver function five items" refers to five common indicators of liver function. Fasting is required when undergoing these liver function tests. Detailed explanation is as follows:
The five liver function tests typically include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and albumin. These indicators can be significantly influenced by diet. After eating, levels of fats, proteins, and other components in the blood increase, which may affect the accuracy of the test results. Therefore, it is recommended to fast for 8–12 hours before undergoing the liver function tests. This helps ensure that the components in the blood remain relatively stable and minimizes interference caused by food intake.
To obtain accurate and reliable results for the liver function tests, patients are advised to follow the preparation instructions provided by their doctors, such as the required fasting duration and water intake restrictions. Additionally, it is recommended to avoid excessive alcohol consumption and high-fat foods the night before the test to reduce potential interference with liver function measurements.
