Liver Profile

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A liver profile is a group of blood tests that tell how well you liver is working. The liver is in your abdomen (belly) and is located next to your stomach. It is a very important organ because it breaks down and stores some substances such as sugar, fat and vitamins. The liver also removes drugs and other chemicals from your body.
• Different laboratories may include different tests in their liver profile. A common list of tests include liver enzymes that come from damaged liver tissue. An enzyme is something that helps speed up a chemical reaction in your body. Other tests may look for substances that have been made or changed by the liver such as proteins or bilirubin.

Why do I need it? Your caregiver may suspect a problem with your liver for example, Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) is often caused by liver problems. The liver profile is also used to be sure that your medicines are not hurting your liver.

How do I get ready for the test? Your caregivers will tell you when to have your blood test done. Caregivers will tell you if you should not eat or drink anything, except water, after midnight. Ask your caregivers if you should wait until the blood test to take your normal medicines

How is the specimen collected? A caregiver will put a wide rubber strap around your arm and tighten it. Your skin will be cleaned with alcohol. A small needle attached to a special test tube will be put into a vein in your arm or hand. The tube has suction to pull the blood into it. When the tube is full, the rubber strap, needle and tube are removed. The caregiver will press a piece of cotton where the needle was removed. You may be asked to hold the cotton on the site for a few minutes to help stop the bleeding. Tape may then be put over the cotton on your arm.

After the test. You may remove the tape and cotton in about 20 to 30 minutes. Call your caregiver to get the results of your test. Your caregiver will explain what your test results mean for you. Follow the instructions of your caregiver.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your illness, injury, surgery, or procedure. You can then discuss your treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care will be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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