Liver Function Test Singapore

A liver function test is a blood examination that measures various proteins, enzymes, and substances produced or processed by your liver. This straightforward test helps doctors assess how well your liver is working and identify any signs of liver damage or disease.

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Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
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Benefits of Liver Function Test

Liver function testing offers several advantages for maintaining and monitoring your health.

  • Early detection of liver problems

    The test can identify liver issues before you develop noticeable symptoms, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes.

  • Monitoring treatment progress

    Regular testing helps your doctor track how well treatments are working and make adjustments to your care plan as needed.

  • Personalised lifestyle guidance

    Test results help your doctor provide tailored advice about diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes that may benefit your liver health.

  • Preventing complications

    Regular monitoring allows for timely interventions that can prevent minor liver issues from developing into more serious conditions.

Types of Liver Function Tests Singapore

Different laboratory techniques may be used to analyse your blood sample, depending on which liver functions need assessment.

Liver function panel

This is a group of tests done on a single blood sample. It measures several liver-related markers at once, giving your doctor a complete view of how your liver is working.

Specific enzyme tests

Sometimes, your doctor may want to look at certain liver enzymes separately, especially if you’re being treated for a liver condition or taking medication that may affect your liver.

Protein and waste processing tests

These tests check your albumin level (a protein made by the liver) and how well your liver is clearing bilirubin (a waste product). Abnormal levels can signal liver stress or damage.

Preparing for Liver Function Test

Proper preparation helps ensure accurate test results and makes the blood collection process straightforward.

  • Fasting requirements

    You may need to avoid food and drinks (except water) for 8-12 hours before the test, though this depends on which specific tests your doctor has requested.

  • Medication review

    Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you’re taking, as some may affect test results.

  • Alcohol avoidance

    Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before testing, as recent alcohol consumption can temporarily alter liver enzyme levels.

Who Should Get a Liver Function Test

Your doctor may recommend a liver function test under these conditions:

Patients on long-term medications

Some medicines can affect how your liver works. Regular testing helps make sure your liver stays healthy during treatment.

Have unexplained symptoms

If you’re experiencing persistent tiredness, stomach discomfort, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or easy bruising, a liver test may help find the cause.

Have a known liver condition

If you’ve been diagnosed with hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or other liver issues, ongoing tests help monitor your condition and guide treatment.

Consume alcohol regularly

Frequent or high alcohol intake can impact liver function, and testing can check for early signs of liver damage.

Have a family history of liver disease

If liver problems run in your family, your doctor may suggest regular tests to catch any changes early.

Have diabetes or other metabolic conditions

Conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol may increase the risk of liver problems, so liver function tests can help catch issues early.

Do you have a history of alcohol use, hepatitis, or fatty liver disease?

Consult our accredited specialist for comprehensive liver health screening.

Results Review and Follow-Up

After liver test results are available, the findings will be explained in the context of your symptoms, current health status, or ongoing treatment. Any abnormal values may prompt additional tests, lifestyle adjustments, or treatment changes, depending on the cause.

For individuals under ongoing monitoring such as those with liver conditions or taking certain medications, regular follow-up testing helps track changes over time. Future test schedules and care steps will be based on overall progress and health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How accurate are liver function test results?

Liver function tests are highly reliable when performed under proper conditions, though results can be influenced by factors such as recent alcohol consumption, certain medications, or not following fasting instructions.

Can I exercise before having a liver function test?

Intense physical exercise within 24 hours before testing can temporarily raise certain liver enzyme levels, potentially affecting results. It’s best to avoid strenuous workouts the day before your test, though light activity like walking is perfectly fine.

How often should I have liver function tests if I’m on long-term medication?

The frequency depends on the specific medication and your individual risk factors. Some medications require monthly monitoring initially, then less frequent testing once levels stabilise, whilst others may need checking every 3-6 months or annually.

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Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.
  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

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