Which parameters are measured in the liver test?

Easy liver health monitoring at home

The GetTested Liver Test is a simple home test that eliminates the need to send the test strip to a lab for analysis. Instead, results are available instantly. The test is performed on urine, and the result is then visually compared with the included color scale. By detecting bilirubin and urobilinogen in urine and displaying their concentrations in blood, effective monitoring of liver health is possible.

About the liver

To understand the importance of a liver test, it's important to know more about the liver itself. The liver is the body's largest glandular organ. We don't feel when the liver is out of balance because it isn't connected to any sensory nerves. However, there are some symptoms that can indicate liver problems. Jaundice is the most obvious and common symptom. It develops when a large amount of bilirubin accumulates and dissolves in the fatty layer of the skin. Bilirubin is produced in the body by the breakdown of red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is then carried in the blood to the liver and from there to the intestine via the bile duct, which connects the liver to 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. When the concentration of urobilinogen and/or bilirubin in the blood is elevated, it 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 doesn't function properly, toxins can enter other organs and cause damage. Liver dysfunction can cause numerous symptoms and, in severe cases, be fatal. Therefore, to check liver health, it is important to perform a liver function test.

Common symptoms of an overloaded liver

• Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
• Pain in the right upper abdomen or back pain
• Swollen stomach
• Weakness and loss of muscle mass
• Pale stool color and/or dark urine color

Performing the liver test

1. First collect urine in a glass or cup.
2. Remove a test strip from the package and hold it at the part of the test strip that is completely white (that is, the part without the colored squares).
3. The colored part of the test strip is immersed in the urine for a maximum of one second.
4. To remove excess urine, remove the test strip and tap lightly against the rim of the glass.
5. To allow the reaction to take place, hold the test strip horizontally for about 30 to 60 seconds.
6. Reading 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). Do not refrigerate or freeze liver function test strips. 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 the color development on the test strip. The color development in the reaction zone may be masked. A color reaction may also occur in the reaction zone, which can be visually interpreted as a false positive. In case of doubt, the test should be repeated after discontinuing the medication (after consulting a physician).
• Bilirubin: In urine samples, prolonged exposure to light can lead to a false-negative result because the bilirubin contained in the sample is light-sensitive. Ascorbic acid concentrations of 25-50 mg/dL can also lead to false-negative results. Even traces of bilirubin are sufficient to warrant further testing. False results can also be caused by the presence of diagnostic or therapeutic dyes in the test urine.
• Urobilinogen: The test strip cannot indicate the complete absence of urobilinogen in the test sample. Normal urine tests usually show a light brown or light pink color. A false negative result may be caused by a higher formalin concentration.