LiverCheck Test from YorkTest Laboratories is an important test that measures for liver damage by testing for raised levels of the liver enzymes ALT and AST. Tests based on measuring both of these enzymes are widely used in hospitals as the basis for screening and monitoring liver damage.
Normally these enzymes are largely present inside liver cells. However, damage to the liver can cause more ALT and AST to leak into the blood. Which means that raised levels of these enzymes can be an important indicator of liver damage.
Every substance that you ingest, whether you eat it, drink it, breathe it in or absorb it through your skin, goes through the liver, so it is vital to ensure it is healthy and functioning properly.
- Tests for liver damage by testing for ALT and AST enzymes
- Suitable for anyone concerned about their alcohol consumption
- Also suitable for those who are overweight or on long-term medication
- Quick, easy-to-use home test
- Your laboratory analysed test results are presented in a colour coded score based on your ALT and AST results
- Includes comprehensive guidebook, providing a detailed explanation of your results plus advice on reducing key risk factors affecting your health
- Customer care support to advise on any queries you may have before or after receiving your results
Your liver plays a crucial part in your overall health - it performs a huge number of complex functions that are vital to maintaining your wellbeing and preventing disease. Most people think that alcohol is fairly harmless and something to be enjoyed. Other than a few ill effects the next day, and maybe putting on a bit of weight, alcohol may not seem to have any long lasting effects - but it can.
Alcohol is a major cause of death in the UK and recent research suggests that drinking even slightly more than the recommended amount can cause significant liver damage.
So how do you know if you are drinking too much?
Everybody is different and there are various factors such as age, weight, and gender that can affect how alcohol is processed in the body and how it can affect it. Even standard advice could sometimes be pushing your body’s ability to process alcohol. Combine this with other lifestyle factors such as diet and medication, and you could be causing damage that you are unaware of.
If you know that you regularly drink more than the recommended number of units then a LiverCheck Test is highly recommended.
Is a LiverCheck for me?
The early signs of liver disease can be difficult to diagnose, but can include:
- tiredness
- lack of concentration
- poor sexual health
- repeated infections leading to a poor quality of life.
If you feel that your lifestyle is likely to put your liver under stress then it could be important for you to you consider a LiverCheck Test.
You should not take the LiverCheck if you are pregnant, or are suffering with a blood borne disease such as HIV or Hepatitis B. The test is unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18 years old.
How is the LiverCheck Test carried out?
YorkTest will supply you with all that you need to carry out the Liver Check test in the comfort of your own home. The test uses a simple finger-prick device and there is no need to go to a clinic or visit a doctor.The test is very quick and easy to carry out your self.
What do I receive?
Your laboratory analysed test results are presented in a colour coded LiverCheck score based on your ALT and AST results.
A comprehensive guidebook is also included which provides a detailed explanation of your results plus general advice on reducing the key risk factors affecting your health.
A lifestyle audit which helps identify the risk factors affecting your liver health.
A lifestyle planner which allows you to plan and monitor your goals.
Taking the LiverCheck Test
Your LiverCheck test kit will contain everything you need to take the test in four easy steps:
1. Fill in the enclosed customer details form and write your name and date clearly on the side of the orange tube with the pen provided. Then soak you hands in warm water for one minute and dry thoroughly.
2. Place the lancet on your finger or thumb and press the purple part of the lancet down to pierce your skin. Massage your finger or thumb until there are large droplets of blood.
3. Hold your finger or thumb directly over the orange tube to drop the blood in. Keep massaging until to produce a few droplets of blood until it reaches the orange line.
4. Immediately place the orange tube inside the larger container tube. Place this and the used lancets in the prepaid envelope provided and return to us the same day.
View a results example.
LiverCheck Test - FAQs
Q. When will I receive my results?
A. It will take 10-12 working days to send your results back to you by post. Also included will be information about how you can work with your results and reduce your risk of suffering with liver disease, including a guidebook, a lifestyle audit and a planner to help you set and monitor your goals.
Q. What do the test results look like?
A. The results are easy to understand – they are clearly laid out and fully explained.
Q. What is in the test kit?
A. The test kit is sent in a tough, secure box which contains:
- Fully illustrated and complete instructions
- Antiseptic wipe
- Two simple-to-use finger prick lancet
- A blood sample collection tube
- A container tube with absorbent pad
- A small sterile plaster for you to use on your finger after the test is complete
- A reply-paid envelope for you to return the sample in.
Q. What am I going to have to send you?
A. Using the finger prick lancets you’ll prick your finger or thumb tip, and put a few drops of blood into the collection tube.Follow all the instructions closely, complete the customer details form and send everything back in the reply-paid envelope.
Q. How do I complete the test kit?
A. Full, illustrated instructions will be sent with the kit.
Q. How do I prepare for the test?
A. Just continue with your normal routine, eating and drinking as normal, but you should not do any strenuous exercise just before you take the test.
Q. Is posting back my sample safe?
A. The box that contains your kit is very strong – in all the years that the laboratory have operated they have never had any problems with tests being damaged in transit. Return your sample following the instructions, and it will be completely safe.
Q. Will any medication or nutritional supplements I am taking affect the test?
A.You cannot take any of our tests if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or taking steroids or immunosuppressants.
Q. How soon do I have to return my sample?
A. You should ideally post your sample back to the laboratory on the same day that you take it. This stops the sample from degrading over time and gives the most accurate results. You will also need to avoid posting the sample later in the week to make sure that it arrives on a working day and processing can begin immediately.
Q. Does the test hurt?
A. The test has been designed to be a convenient and comfortable as possible. YorkTest’s finger prick is much quicker and less painful than having a full blood draw taken.If you are at all worried, the YorkTest Customer Care team are happy to talk to you about the best way to take your sample.
IMPORTANT: Blood samples must be taken before midday and posted on the same day between Monday and Thursday.
Do not take your blood sample immediately after strenuous exercise.
Do not take this test if you are: Suffering from a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, if you are under 18 years old, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Please note that LiverCheck Test is available in the UK and Ireland only