What parameters are measured in the liver test?
Easy home monitoring of liver health
The GetTested liver test is a simple home test where the test strip does not need to be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Instead, you get the results immediately. The test is performed with urine and the result is then visually compared with the included color scale. By detecting bilirubin and urobilinogen in the urine and indicating their concentration in the blood, effective monitoring of liver health is possible.
About the liver
To understand the importance of a liver test, it is important to know more about the liver itself. The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body. We do not feel when the liver is out of balance as it is not connected to sensory nerves. However, there are some symptoms that may indicate liver problems. Jaundice is the most obvious and common symptom. It occurs when a large amount of bilirubin accumulates and dissolves in the fatty layer of the skin. Bilirubin is formed in the body by the breakdown of red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is then transported with the blood to the liver and from there via the bile duct, which connects the liver to the intestine, into the intestine. The gallbladder can also store bilirubin. In the intestine, intestinal bacteria convert bilirubin into a compound called urobilinogen. A small percentage of this compound then enters the bloodstream. If the concentration of urobilinogen and/or bilirubin in the blood is increased, this affects the appearance of the urine.
Why a liver test?
The liver is one of the most vital organs. Its job is to cleanse the blood of toxins and break down nutrients and chemicals. If the liver does not function properly, toxins can enter other organs and cause damage there. Liver dysfunction can cause numerous symptoms and, in severe cases, be fatal. To check the health of the liver, it is therefore important to perform a liver function test.
Common symptoms of an overloaded liver
- Yellowish tint of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)
- Pain in the upper right abdomen or back pain
- Swollen abdomen
- Weakness and loss of muscle mass
- Pale stool and/or dark urine
Performing the liver test
- First, collect urine in a glass or cup.
- Take a test strip from the package and hold it by the part of the test strip that is completely white (this is the part without the colored squares).
- Dip the colored part of the test strip into the urine for a maximum of one second.
- To remove excess urine, remove the test strip and gently tap it against the rim of the glass.
- To allow the reaction to take place, hold the test strip horizontally for about 30 to 60 seconds.
- Read the liver values: Compare the colors of the reaction on the test strip with the color chart in the package.
Storage
Store test strips at room temperature (15-30 °C). The liver test strips must not be stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Do not expose test strips to moisture, heat or light before use. Use test strips immediately after opening the foil pouch.
Limitations of the liver test
Urine-discoloring substances such as certain medications can affect color development on the test strip. The color development in the reaction zone can be masked. A color reaction can also occur in the reaction zone, which can be visually interpreted as a false positive. In case of doubt, the test should therefore be repeated after discontinuing the medication (after consulting a doctor).
Bilirubin: In urine samples, prolonged light exposure can lead to a false negative result, as the bilirubin contained in the sample is light-sensitive. An ascorbic acid concentration of 25-50 mg/dl can also lead to false negative results. Even traces of bilirubin are sufficient to justify the need for further investigation. False results can also be caused by the presence of diagnostic or therapeutic dyes in the test urine.
Urobilinogen: The test strip cannot indicate a complete absence of urobilinogen in the test sample. Normal urine tests usually show a light brown or light pink color. A false negative result can be caused by a higher formaldehyde concentration.
