CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. Doctors often advise a liver function test (LFT) to assess liver health. This blood test checks ALT (SGPT), AST (SGOT), bilirubin and other parameters. Usually, when the report comes back normal, people assume that their liver is completely healthy. However, according to medical experts, some liver diseases may still be present despite a normal LFT report. Therefore, it is not correct to draw a final conclusion about liver health on the basis of a blood test alone.
In fatty liver disease, SGPT may remain normal. In this condition, excess fat begins to accumulate in liver cells. Many patients do not show clear symptoms in the initial stage. In such cases, ALT and AST levels may remain normal. Similarly, fibrosis in the liver, meaning the process of scar formation, can also progress despite a normal LFT report.
This means a normal report does not completely rule out the possibility of any liver disease.
Which symptoms should not be ignored? According to Dr. L.H. Ghotekar, Professor in the Department of Medicine at Lady Hardinge Medical College, further tests may be needed in cases of persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, digestive problems and repeated vomiting. According to experts, yellowing of the eyes or skin, swelling in the abdomen or legs, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen may be signs of serious liver disease. If such symptoms appear, medical evaluation should be sought immediately.
Ultrasound and FibroScan can provide useful information. If symptoms or risks are present, doctors may advise other tests as needed. Ultrasound helps detect fat accumulation in the liver and some other structural problems. FibroScan is useful in assessing fat and fibrosis in the liver. Other blood tests, depending on need, may include hepatitis screening, albumin and platelet tests.
However, not everyone needs to undergo all these tests. The right investigations are selected by doctors on the basis of symptoms, medical history and risk factors.
Who should be more alert? Obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, excessive alcohol consumption and long-term use of some medicines can increase the risk of liver-related problems. Such people should discuss regular check-ups and further monitoring with their doctor even if their LFT report is normal.
Conclusion: A normal LFT report is reassuring, but it does not rule out every liver disease. If persistent symptoms or risk factors are present, further tests should be done on a doctor’s advice.
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