4 Medical Tests That Help Detect Liver Disease Early, As Per Gastroenterologist

"Today, liver diseases are increasingly being diagnosed in people who’ve never consumed alcohol," says Dr Bathini. "The rise is due to factors like obesity, diabetes, infections, medications, and even genetics."

One of the most common and rapidly growing concerns is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that now affects nearly 1 in 4 adults globally. Since the liver plays a vital role in digestion, metabolism, and detoxification, its damage can have serious consequences if not caught early.

Liver Disease Often Has No Early Symptoms

The tricky part? Liver diseases are often silent in the early stages. Dr Bathini explains, "Symptoms like fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice, or unexplained weight loss usually appear when significant damage has already occurred." That’s why early screening and regular checkups are critical, even for those who seem healthy.

Medical Tests That Can Help Detect Liver Issues

To improve early detection, Dr Bathini recommends adding the following four liver-related tests to your annual health checkup:

Liver Function Tests (LFTs)

These are simple blood tests that measure enzymes and proteins produced by the liver. They help detect inflammation, bile duct issues, and early signs of liver scarring (cirrhosis). "Abnormal LFTs could point to infections, medication side effects, or underlying liver conditions," explains Dr Bathini.

Hepatitis B Screening (HBV Test)

Hepatitis B is a major cause of chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Dr Bathini notes, "This virus can remain hidden for years, causing damage silently. Early detection leads to better outcomes with antiviral treatments."

Hepatitis C Screening (HCV Test)

Hepatitis C also often goes unnoticed until it has caused serious liver damage. Routine screening can help identify and treat the virus before complications develop.

Abdominal Ultrasound

This imaging test helps identify fat accumulation in the liver, structural abnormalities, or scarring. It’s especially useful in spotting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in its early stages.

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Who Should Get These Tests?

While everyone can benefit from preventive screening, Dr Bathini strongly advises these tests for people with:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• High cholesterol
• Family history of liver disease

Even individuals with no risk factors should consider it. "A straightforward blood test could make all the difference, not just in detecting a problem but in preventing it," he adds.

Liver disease doesn’t always come with warning signs. But thanks to accessible diagnostic tools, we don’t have to wait until it’s too late.

Dr Bathini concludes, "Our liver works silently to keep us healthy. It’s time we take its health seriously. When you schedule your next routine checkup, don’t forget to ask your doctor to include LFTs and hepatitis screening. Your future self will thank you."

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Image Courtesy: Freepik