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Liver and kidney test

Checks the health of these vital organs

Liver and kidney tests are ways of measuring how these organs are functioning, most often carried out through blood and urine testing.

These tests can help diagnose liver disease, jaundice, liver cirrhosis, kidney disease, kidney infections and urinary tract infections.

A referral request from a consultant or GP is required before booking any blood test.

Why us

  • Fast access to treatment when you need it
  • Internationally and nationally renowned consultants
  • Clear, inclusive pricing

Why you might need a liver and kidney test

Ensuring your liver and kidneys are in good health is vital, considering that they:

  • help you to break down food and convert it into energy
  • help your body to get rid of waste products and excess fluid
  • control glucose concentration in the blood
  • fight infections
  • remove drugs from the body
  • balance the body’s fluids
  • release hormones that regulate blood pressure
  • produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones. (sources: British Liver Trust, National Kidney Foundation)

These tests are carried out on blood or urine samples.

What to expect

For blood testing, a syringe with a fine needle is used to remove a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. You will only feel a tiny pinprick as this is done.

It will then be sent to one of our laboratories to be tested. Urine samples are dealt with in the same way.

For liver tests, these will give an indication of how much your liver is inflamed and possibly either damaged or less able to work properly.

The test measures:

  • ALT (Alanine aminotransferase) and AST (Aspartarte aminotransferase) levels, which indicate how inflamed the liver is.
  • ALP (Alkaline phosphatase), which is an enzyme that can suggest liver disease.
  • GGT (Gamma glutamyl transferase) which is a potential indicator of how much alcohol you consume.
  • Bilirubin, which can cause jaundice; a yellowing of the eyes and skin in liver disease.
  • Albumin, a protein that helps keep fluid pressures in the body stable and carries many substances in the body.
  • Clotting studies, which may suggest liver disease. (source: British Liver Trust)

For your kidneys, these tests measure:

  • The level of urea – the waste product formed from the breakdown of proteins that is usually passed out in the urine, which can show your kidneys might not be working properly or that you are dehydrated.
  • Creatinine – a waste product made by the muscles that is passed into the bloodstream and usually passed out in urine, which also can suggest that your kidneys may not be working properly.
  • Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) – which provides a guide to kidney function.
  • Certain dissolved salts – such as sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate for which abnormal levels can suggest a kidney problem. (source: Patient, EMIS)

 

After the test

These tests are carried out by us after you have supplied blood or urine samples, so you will be able to go home straight after the appointment.

Giving a blood sample is almost painless and you will only feel a brief, small pinprick from the needle in your arm.

You will be able to return to your job immediately after the test.

Results

Your Consultant or GP is likely to want to see you after your tests results become available.

If you have been referred for the test by a Consultant at Sussex Premier Health, a follow up appointment will be made for you.

If your GP has referred you, you will need to contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment to discuss your results.

Interested in finding out more?

Speak to a member of our team

Phone01424 757400

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