Can I Have a Normal Liver Function Test with Cirrhosis?
Yes, it is possible to have a normal liver function test if you have cirrhosis, but this is rare.
Cirrhosis is a condition that causes scarring and damage of the liver, which can prevent it from digesting food and removing waste from your body.
Liver function tests (LFT) are blood tests that can assess how well your liver is functioning and detect any damage. However, in some cases, LFTs may show normal results despite the presence of cirrhosis in the liver.
This can occur during the early stages of cirrhosis, when the liver has severe scarring or damage, but the body is still able to compensate for its decreased function.
This is known as compensatedcirrhosis. It typically results in unnoticeable or mild symptoms, such as nausea and fatigue. A person can have compensatedcirrhosis for years and not feel unwell or see any signs of liver damage.
What other methods can help detect cirrhosis?
While LFTs may not always detect cirrhosis, there are several other tests that can pick up on potential liver damage. This includes:
Medical history. A healthcare professional can identify your risk of developing cirrhosis by asking about your medical history, including if you have autoimmune disorders, have been exposed to hepatitis viruses in the past, or have a history of excessive alcohol consumption.
Physical exam. When performing a physical exam, a healthcare professional may encounter potential signs of liver damage, such as a swollen or tender abdomen, yellowing of the eyes, or skin changes.
Complete blood count. A complete blood count can pick up on reduced liver function.
Ultrasound. A healthcare professional can pick up on potential signs of liver damage during an ultrasound.
Liver biopsy. A liver biopsy involves taking a small sample of tissue from the liver, which can confirm a diagnosis of cirrhosis. However, this method is reserved for instances where there is a high suspicion of cirrhosis, but other tests have been inconclusive.
If you think you may be at risk of developing cirrhosis, but are not noticing any signs, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They can perform some tests to identify any potential damage.
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