When Should You Have Liver FunctionTests Done?

When Should You Get Liver Function Tests?

Liver disease has few symptoms in the early stages, so it's sometimes discovered through routine blood testing that is done as part of a regular physical.

But if you notice any of the following conditions or symptoms, you should talk to your doctor about having liver function tests done.

jaundice, or yellowing of the skin,

dark urine,

light-colored bowel movements

bloody or black bowel movements,

vomiting and/or diarrhea,

vomiting of blood, which is also called hematemesis. This can be extremely serious and requires immediate attention. Be aware however that blood sometimes comes up in sputum or mucus if you have a respiratory infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.

nausea,

loss of appetite,

swelling or pain in the abdomen

unusual weight change,

fatigue or loss of stamina.

There are a number of other circumstances when liver function tests should be considered:

when you have been (or suspect you have been) exposed to a hepatitis virus,

when there have been other members of your family who have had liver disease,

if you consume a lot of alcoholic beverages,

if you are taking medications that can cause liver damage.

Once again, keep in mind that many liver disease symptoms often don't show up until the disease has progressed to the moderate stage.

Liver function tests usually consist of a battery of 14 tests called the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP).