Fatty Liver Test

• A fatty liver profile is a group of blood tests that are used to detect and monitor the presence of fatty liver disease (also known as hepatic steatosis).
• A fatty liver profile is useful in determining liver damage or inflammation.

It is important to note that fatty liver disease can be asymptomatic and even when symptoms are present, they are non-specific and can be mistaken for other conditions. Therefore, a fatty liver profile is used to confirm the diagnosis of fatty liver disease in high-risk individuals or to monitor the progression of the disease over time.

You should get the Fatty Liver Test done if you observe the following symptoms:

• Weight loss
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue

Patient Preparation: 12-14 hrs fasting required 

Total Tests Included: 7 (Liver Function Maxi, Lipid Profile Maxi, CBC, HbA1C, FBS, HBsAg Screening, HCV Total)

The Fatty Liver Profile measures the following tests Liver Function Maxi, Lipid Profile Maxi, CBC, HbA1C, FBS, HBsAg Screening, HCV Total.

This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

If a liver function test, lipid profile, complete blood count (CBC), HbA1C, fasting blood sugar (FBS), HBsAg screening, and HCV total test are all positive for fatty liver, it suggests that an individual has an excessive build-up of fat in their liver and may have alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

• A liver function test (LFT) is a blood test that measures the levels of enzymes and proteins in the liver. Elevated levels of enzymes such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) can indicate liver damage or inflammation.
• A lipid profile measures the levels of fats in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of triglycerides in the blood can be a risk factor for NAFLD.
• CBC is used to measure the number and characteristics of blood cells. Elevated white blood cells count may indicate infection or inflammation.
• HbA1C is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. High levels of HbA1C may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
• FBS (fasting blood sugar) is a blood test that measures the amount of glucose in the blood after an overnight fast. High levels of FBS may indicate diabetes or prediabetes.
• HBsAg Screening is to detect hepatitis B virus infection, it is important to know because chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
• HCV Total test is to detect the presence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the blood. Chronic hepatitis C infection can lead to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

A fatty liver test is a set of assessments, including the fatty liver index (FLI) and blood tests, used to diagnose and evaluate the presence and severity of fatty liver disease. It helps detect liver inflammation, damage, and the degree of fat accumulation.

Yes, many diagnostic laboratories in India, such as Metropolis Healthcare, offer convenient home sample collection services for the fatty liver test. This allows you to get tested from the comfort of your home without visiting a clinic.

A fatty liver test is used to diagnose and monitor fatty liver disease, assess the risk and degree of liver fibrosis, and evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. It helps detect liver abnormalities and prevents complications like cirrhosis and liver failure.

There is no single "fatty liver normal range" as it depends on the specific parameters measured. For example, normal ALT levels are typically between 0 and 35 IU/L. The fatty liver test results are interpreted based on the individual components of the test.

Individuals with risk factors such as obesity, hyperlipidaemia, type 2 diabetes, and those suspected of having liver disease are eligible for a fatty liver test. Your doctor may recommend the test if you have symptoms or abnormal liver function tests.

The benefits of a fatty liver blood test include early detection of fatty liver disease, allowing for timely intervention and lifestyle changes. It helps monitor disease progression and assess treatment efficacy, preventing complications like cirrhosis and liver failure. Regular testing enables better management of the condition and improves overall liver health.

High-risk individuals may need regular monitoring, typically every 6–12 months.

The fatty liver test can be done at any time of the day, but it is usually recommended to follow the specific fasting instructions given by your doctor.

Yes, fasting for 12-14 hours before the fatty liver test is typically recommended.

Before undergoing a fatty liver test, you should avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours.

The parameters included in the fatty liver test may vary but commonly include midriff girth, BMI, triglycerides, GGT, ALT, AST, platelet count, albumin, glucose, and liver stiffness measurements. These help assess liver function, inflammation, and fat accumulation.

The fatty liver test involves blood sampling for various enzyme and lipid measurements. Besides a blood sample, an ultrasound or FibroScan may be performed to assess liver stiffness and fat accumulation.

The fatty liver test should be done when recommended by your doctor.

The fatty liver test becomes positive when the results indicate the presence of fatty liver disease. This is determined by elevated liver enzymes, high FLI scores, or abnormal liver stiffness and fat accumulation measurements, along with other clinical factors.

The blood sample collection for the fatty liver test usually takes only a few minutes.

The reports for the fatty liver test are usually available within 24 hours after the sample collection. However, the turnaround time may vary depending on the diagnostic center and the specific tests performed. Your doctor will inform you about when to expect the results.