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How can I check my liver at home?

Healthline's picks of the best at-home liver tests LetsGetChecked Liver Test. Lab.Me At Home Crucial Health Check. Health Testing Centers Expanded Liver Panel. Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test.

healthline.com - 4 Best At-Home Liver Tests to Try in 2022 - Healthline

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Share on Pinterest We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. What is a liver test? A liver function test helps assess the health and condition of the liver. These tests measure specific enzymes and proteins in your blood for abnormal levels, which can indicate liver damage. An at-home liver test shouldn’t be considered diagnostic, but it’s a good starting point for a discussion with your healthcare professional. You might consider an at-home liver function test as a way of monitoring side effects from certain medications, assessing treatment for a disease, diagnosing symptoms stemming from a liver disorder, or checking for liver damage from heavy alcohol consumption. What do liver tests reveal? There are a few kinds of liver function tests and they can provide different information depending on the test. Liver enzyme tests include: Alanine transaminase (ALT). The test will check for elevated levels of ATL in the body. ATL can be released into the body if the liver isn’t functioning well. The test will check for elevated levels of ATL in the body. ATL can be released into the body if the liver isn’t functioning well. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). This can check for damage to the liver or bile duct. This can check for damage to the liver or bile duct. Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). This test looks for elevated levels of GGT in the blood, which can be a sign of liver or bile duct damage. Liver protein tests screen for specific levels of: globulin

albumin

prothrombin Low levels of globulin and albumin and an elevated level of prothrombin can indicate liver damage or other conditions. A bilirubin test is another way to check for liver damage. As red bloods cells break down, bilirubin is produced as waste and processed in the liver. High levels of bilirubin can be a sign of a damaged liver. However, some types of inherited disease may also affect bilirubin levels, even with proper liver function. Signs of liver disease The liver is an interesting organ, and in some cases, it’s capable of healing itself without treatment. However, a liver disorder can be very serious — even life threatening. People who are experiencing liver disease may have the following symptoms: fatigue

loss of energy or weakness

jaundice, or yellowing eyes and skin

weight loss

nausea and vomiting

diarrhea

abdominal pain

dark urine or light stools Early detection of a liver condition is important, so it’s a good idea to investigate further if you’re experiencing these symptoms. How we chose To make our recommendations for the best at-home liver tests, we looked for companies that use accredited laboratories for accurate results. This includes labs certified by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). We also considered: price point

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biomarkers checked in each test

turnaround time

customer reviews You can read more about Healthline’s vetting guidelines here. Pricing guide $ = under $50

= under $50 $$ = $50–$75

= $50–$75 $$$ = over $75

Healthline’s picks of the best at-home liver tests Most comprehensive test LetsGetChecked Liver Test Price: $$$

$$$ Pros: prepaid shipping, wide testing panel, subscription available for discounts

prepaid shipping, wide testing panel, subscription available for discounts Con: high price point high price point Accepts insurance: no The finger prick test from LetsGetChecked is an at-home liver test designed to determine liver function. It tests for a range of proteins and enzymes, including albumin, globulin, ALP, ALT, and GGT. The kit comes with everything you need to activate your test and collect your sample. Samples should be returned on the same day you take them, and the kit includes a prepaid shipping label. Samples shouldn’t be collected on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays. Samples are processed in CLIA certified and CAP accredited laboratories. Results are available via a secure online account within 2 to 5 days. LetsGetChecked has a team of board certified physicians and nurses. If your results are abnormal, you’ll receive a call. Shop now at LetsGetChecked Best all-in-one test Lab.Me At Home Crucial Health Check Price: $$

$$ Pros: rapid results, reasonable price, multiple biomarkers tested

rapid results, reasonable price, multiple biomarkers tested Con: not specific to liver health not specific to liver health Accepts insurance: no The Crucial Health Check from Lab.Me is an all-in-one at-home test to check both cardiovascular and liver health. You can complete the finger prick collection method in about 5 minutes, and results are available online within 2 to 3 days after your sample is received by the lab. Lab.Me uses accredited labs for accuracy. This can be a good test for anyone interested in checking their heart and liver health, but keep in mind that it isn’t limited to liver disease. It tests for GGT, as well as proteins and lipids that can indicate cardiovascular disease. Shop now at Lab.Me Best test for quick results Health Testing Centers Expanded Liver Panel Price: $

$ Pros: good price point, rapid results, subscription available for discounts

good price point, rapid results, subscription available for discounts Con: requires a lab visit requires a lab visit Accepts insurance: no The expanded liver panel test from Health Testing Centers measures enzymes and proteins to determine liver function. While results are available in just 1 to 2 days, this test is different from those you complete at home. Instead of completing the finger prick test yourself, you’ll visit a local lab for a blood draw. During the purchase of your test, you’ll have the option of choosing between LabCorp and Quest. You’ll receive an email form that you’ll need to take with you to the lab. Your results are available in a secure online portal, and you may also receive a phone call in certain instances. This can be a good option if you’re concerned about following the collection process properly, but you will have to plan for the in-person lab visit. Shop now at Health Testing Centers Best budget-friendly test Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test Price: $

$ Pro: good price point

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good price point Con: requires a lab visit

requires a lab visit Accepts insurance: no The liver panel blood test from Walk-In-Lab is similar to the one offered by Health Testing Centers because you’ll need to visit a local laboratory. You can choose LabCorp or Quest for your sample collection. Then it will be tested for albumin, ALT, ALP, AST bilirubin, and total protein. Results are available online within 2 to 3 days, excluding holidays. You’ll receive an email with access to your confidential lab report. Shop now at Walk-In-Lab A comparison of the best at-home liver tests Testing biomarkers Price Accepts insurance? Result turnaround LetsGetChecked albumin, globulin, bilirubin, ALP, GGT, ALT, total protein $$$ no 2–5 days Lab.Me At Home Crucial Health Check GGT $$ no 2–3 days Health Testing Centers ALT, ALP, AST (alanine transaminase), bilirubin, albumin, total protein $ no 1–2 days Walk-In-Lab Hepatic Function (Liver) Panel Blood Test ALT, ALP, AST bilirubin, albumin, total protein $ no 2–3 days How to improve liver health Many of the steps people take to lead a healthy lifestyle benefit the liver, including diet and exercise. Eat a varied and nutritious diet, and avoid foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar. Specifically, it’s important to avoid fried foods and raw or undercooked shellfish, like oysters and crabs. Be mindful of eating a balanced diet that includes fiber. Exercising consistently is also important. Together with a balanced diet, it can help keep your body mass index (BMI) under 30. You should also hydrate and minimize alcohol use. The liver needs water to function properly. When to see a doctor If you take an at-home liver test and your results indicate that you’re at risk of liver disease, you should consult a healthcare professional. If you’re noticing symptoms of a potential liver condition and your results are normal, it’s still a good idea to seek a second opinion. Frequently asked questions How do I know if my liver is healthy? You can help keep your liver healthy by following a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and minimal alcohol consumption all contribute to a healthy liver. Be aware of symptoms of liver disease, which can include: fatigue

weakness

jaundice

diarrhea

nausea

vomiting

dark urine or light stools If you’re experiencing these symptoms, even though you follow healthy lifestyle practices, you should speak with a healthcare professional. Are at home liver tests accurate? They can be, but it’s important to follow directions to ensure you’re completing every step properly. Keep in mind that failing to follow directions can result in inaccurate results. You should also confirm that your sample is being tested at a reputable laboratory for testing, such as those that are CLIA approved. How do you know if enzymes and proteins relating to your liver are elevated? An at-home liver test checks for abnormal levels of certain proteins and enzymes, which can indicate a potential liver condition.

healthline.com - 4 Best At-Home Liver Tests to Try in 2022 - Healthline

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