Question 1

What is Liver Disease?

Accepted Answer

Liver disease encompasses conditions that impair liver function, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and liver cancer. It is caused by viral infections (hepatitis B and C), alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency, and metabolic dysfunction. The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for diagnosis because it measures key liver enzymes (AST and ALT), proteins (albumin and globulin), bilirubin levels, and alkaline phosphatase to provide a complete assessment of liver health.

Question 2

What causes liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Liver disease is caused by viral infections (hepatitis B and C viruses), chronic alcohol abuse, autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks liver cells, genetic conditions like alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency and hemochromatosis, and metabolic dysfunction including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Toxins from medications, environmental pollutants, and certain herbs can also damage liver cells. Obesity and diabetes significantly increase the risk of fatty liver disease, which can progress to cirrhosis if left untreated.

Question 3

What is the best test for liver disease?

Accepted Answer

The Liver Function Profile is the most important test for liver disease because it measures key liver enzymes (ALT and AST) that leak into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged, proteins (albumin and globulin) that reflect the liver's ability to synthesize essential substances, bilirubin levels that indicate how well the liver processes waste products, and alkaline phosphatase that signals bile duct problems. This comprehensive panel can detect hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, and bile duct obstructions. For specific concerns, the ALT test is the most sensitive marker for liver cell injury, while the Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) assesses how well your liver produces clotting factors, which is critical for evaluating advanced liver disease.

Question 4

When should I get tested for liver disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), persistent fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain or swelling in the upper right side, unexplained weight loss, dark urine or pale stools, easy bruising or bleeding, or itchy skin. Get tested immediately if you have a history of heavy alcohol use, have been exposed to hepatitis viruses, take medications known to affect the liver, have diabetes or obesity, or have a family history of liver disease. Early detection through blood testing allows for effective management before irreversible damage occurs.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Liver disease symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), chronic fatigue and weakness, abdominal pain or swelling particularly in the upper right quadrant, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, dark amber-colored urine, pale or clay-colored stools, easy bruising and bleeding, itchy skin, and swelling in the legs and ankles. In advanced stages, you might experience confusion or difficulty thinking clearly (hepatic encephalopathy), spider-like blood vessels on the skin, and redness in the palms of your hands. Many people have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why blood testing is essential for early detection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for liver disease?

Accepted Answer

People who drink alcohol heavily or regularly are at high risk for alcoholic liver disease and cirrhosis. Those with chronic hepatitis B or C infections, obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome face increased risk of fatty liver disease. Your risk increases if you have autoimmune conditions, a family history of liver disease, exposure to certain toxins or chemicals, take medications that can damage the liver, have hemochromatosis (iron overload), or alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. Healthcare workers and people who share needles or have multiple sexual partners have higher exposure risk to hepatitis viruses.

Question 7

What happens if liver disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated liver disease progresses from inflammation and fatty deposits to fibrosis (scarring), and eventually to cirrhosis where extensive scarring severely impairs liver function. Cirrhosis can lead to life-threatening complications including liver failure, portal hypertension causing dangerous bleeding from enlarged veins in the esophagus and stomach, fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites), kidney failure, increased infection risk, hepatic encephalopathy causing confusion and coma, and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). Once cirrhosis develops, the damage is irreversible, though treatment can slow progression. Early detection and treatment can prevent these severe outcomes, making blood testing essential for anyone at risk.

Question 8

Can liver disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are the primary diagnostic tools for detecting and monitoring liver disease. The Liver Function Profile measures enzymes like ALT and AST that leak from damaged liver cells, proteins like albumin that the liver produces, bilirubin levels that show how well the liver processes waste, and alkaline phosphatase that indicates bile duct function. Additional tests like Prothrombin Time (PT/INR) assess the liver's ability to make clotting factors, while ammonia levels reveal the liver's detoxification capacity. While imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI and sometimes liver biopsy may be needed for complete diagnosis, blood tests provide crucial information about liver function and can detect disease in its early stages when treatment is most effective.

Question 9

How is liver disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the specific type and stage of liver disease. For alcoholic liver disease, complete abstinence from alcohol is essential. Viral hepatitis is treated with antiviral medications that can cure hepatitis C and control hepatitis B. Fatty liver disease management focuses on weight loss through diet and exercise, controlling diabetes and cholesterol, and avoiding alcohol. Autoimmune liver diseases require immunosuppressant medications like corticosteroids. Iron chelation therapy treats hemochromatosis, while ursodeoxycholic acid helps with certain bile duct disorders. Advanced cirrhosis may require management of complications like diuretics for fluid retention, beta-blockers to prevent bleeding, and lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy. Severe cases may ultimately require liver transplantation.

Question 10

How can I prevent liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevent liver disease by limiting alcohol consumption to moderate levels or avoiding it completely, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, practicing safe sex and avoiding sharing needles to prevent hepatitis transmission, and being cautious with medications and supplements that can damage the liver. Control conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure that contribute to fatty liver disease. Avoid exposure to toxic chemicals, use medications only as prescribed, and get regular blood tests if you have risk factors. Early detection through screening allows you to make lifestyle changes before significant damage occurs.

Question 11

What can I do at home for liver disease?

Accepted Answer

Support liver health at home by completely avoiding alcohol, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting saturated fats and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise, and staying hydrated with plenty of water. Avoid unnecessary medications and supplements, as many can stress the liver, and always inform your doctor about everything you take. Coffee consumption has been shown to have protective effects on the liver. Manage underlying conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol with prescribed medications and lifestyle changes. However, these home measures complement but do not replace medical treatment, and regular blood testing is essential to monitor your liver function and adjust treatment as needed.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Liver Disease Blood Test

What is Liver Disease?

What causes liver disease?

What is the best test for liver disease?

When should I get tested for liver disease?

References

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