Is fasting required for the five-item liver function test?
Generally, the term "liver function five-item test" refers to a set of five liver function tests. These tests are primarily used to evaluate liver function. The liver function five-item test is usually required to be performed on an empty stomach. Detailed explanation is as follows:
The liver function five-item test mainly includes alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. These values can be affected by diet. Testing after eating may cause serum turbidity, which could alter the results and affect the diagnostic accuracy. Therefore, fasting for at least 8 to 12 hours before the test is typically required to ensure no food residue remains in the digestive tract. For safety, it is recommended to stop eating after 9 p.m. the day before the test, and to avoid alcohol consumption and high-fat foods the day before the examination.
Before undergoing the liver function five-item test, it is important to remain calm and avoid excessive anxiety. After the test, regular monitoring should be conducted, and any discomfort should be promptly reported to the physician.