Liver Check Test
Introduction
The liver is the second largest organ in your body, and it plays a crucial role by performing many complex functions that are vital to your health. Everything you eat, drink, breathe and absorb through your skin is processed in the liver and is prepared for elimination from the body or use elsewhere in your system.
In today’s toxic world in which fresh food has largely been replaced with packaged and processed foods, the incoming toxins can overload the liver’s ability to detoxify your body as efficiently as it should. This can result in an accumulation of noxious substances in your body, which will inevitably lead to a lack of well-being, and can go on to cause a number of serious health problems.
Should I consider a LiverCheck?
The early symptoms of liver disease are nonspecific and include:
- tiredness
- lack of concentration
- poor sexual health
- repeated infections leading to a poor quality of life
It is important for those people who feel they may be at risk of developing liver disease to assess the health of their liver on a regular basis.
You should not take the LiverCheck if you are suffering with a blood borne disease such as Hepatitis or HIV, or are pregnant. The test is also unsuitable for anyone under the age of 18 years old.
What does the test involve?
Our LiverCheck is an easy to use, simple finger-prick blood test that can be carried out in the comfort of your own home, without the need to go to a clinic or visit a specialist.
When you place an order, a test kit is sent to you in the post, which contains everything you need to collect your blood sample. Once you have collected your sample, you simply post it to our laboratories for analysis.
Your results will usually be sent to you within 10-12 working days, and will be presented in a clear, understandable format. You will also receive a pack filled with additional information about what actions you could take next.
If you would like a full description of the test procedure, please click here to read what you will need to do.
Further Information
Why is the LiverCheck test important?
Since the integrity of a person’s detoxification system is the major determinant of whether chemicals are detoxified or stored, ensuring an efficient liver detoxification function is critical for maintaining health and protecting the body. Chemicals are found everywhere in the environment e.g. air, water, and in foods. Chemicals are also produced internally, such as the toxins from intestinal yeast and bacteria as well as inflammatory mediators. The more of these the body has to deal with the more challenged the liver becomes.
How does liver detoxification work and what can go wrong?
The liver detoxification process is divided into two Phases:
Phase I liver detoxification transforms toxins into substances that can either be eliminated or passed onto phase II detoxification. Phase II detoxification further increases their solubility thus making them safe for elimination from the body. The metabolites produced by phase 1 detoxification need to pass to phase II detoxification pathways immediately as some are very damaging to the body. However, if the phase II detoxification pathways are overloaded and not keeping up with phase I then these damaging molecules may linger in the body for longer than they should and disease can result.
What are the implications of an overloaded liver?
In both phases of detoxification, many enzymes are needed. All of these enzymes require vitamins and minerals to work efficiently. The detoxification process uses up many nutrients and depletion is not uncommon if the liver is heavily burdened.
Nutrient deficiencies cause the liver to be more vulnerable in a chemical based world. The resulting accumulation of toxic metabolites can cause unchecked free radical damage, therefore testing the capability of the liver to detoxify can be a valuable tool in preventing an overloaded toxic liver, nutrient deficiencies and many associated symptoms.
What aspects of Liver Detoxification does the LiverCheck test for?
The LiverCheck tests specifically for damage to your liver cells by testing for the two enzymes: ALT and AST. Normally these enzymes are largely present inside liver cells. However, damage to the liver can cause ALT and AST to leak into the blood. Therefore, raised levels of these enzymes in the blood can be an important indicator of liver damage.
Test FAQ
What does the results pack include?
Your results pack will include:
How long will it take to receive my results?
Once we receive your blood sample, we will return your results to you within 10-12 working days
What will my test results look like?
Your results will be clearly laid out and easy to understand – to see a sample of how results for this test are presented, click here.
What does the test kit include?
The contents of the test kit will be sent in a strong, secure box. This box will contain:
What are you expecting me to provide you with?
You’ll need to use the finger prick lancets to prick your finger or thumb tip with, so that you can put a few drops of blood onto the collection tube.
Then give it a gentle shake for five seconds before placing the sample tube inside the container tube to keep it secure, and put it together with the used lancets into the box. Complete the form with your details and send that, together with the box containing your sample, back to us in the reply-paid envelope.
How do I complete the test kit?
Full, illustrated instructions are enclosed with your test kit. To see what those instructions look like, click here.
What can I eat or drink before the test?
Keep your diet normal in the run up to the test, but do not take any strenuous exercise immediately before you take your sample.
Is it safe to post back my sample?
The box containing your kit, and in which you will return your sample, is very strong – the laboratory have never had any problems in all their years of operating. Follow the instructions for returning your sample, and it will be completely safe.
How do I post back my sample?
Just pop the box containing your sample and any returned items (such as the lancet), plus your completed form, into the reply-paid envelope, and post it as normal.
If I am taking medication or nutritional supplements can I still do the test?
If you are taking steroids, immunosuppressants or are pregnant or breast feeding you cannot take any of our tests.
Does the laboratory provide everything needed to do the test?
Yes it does. Everything you need is included in the kit, complete with full instructions. If you have any problems with the contents of the kit, or with understanding the procedure, simply call the Customer Care Line number, which is clearly printed on the instructions.
How quickly do I have to return my blood sample?
Your sample must be returned on the same day that you take the test.
Do the finger prick blood tests hurt?
All our tests have been designed with your comfort and convenience in mind. YorkTest’s finger prick blood sampling is much less painful than taking a full blood draw and full instructions are provided to ensure sample taking is as quick and convenient as possible. However if you are concerned a member of the YorkTest Customer Care team will be happy to advise on the best way to take your sample.
Where do you conduct the analysis?
YorkTest operates a state of the art laboratory which utilises the very latest biotechnology testing facilities.
What is the best technique for taking a good blood sample?
Before taking your sample run warm water over your hand to encourage blood flow, please ensure you dry your hands before taking your sample. Use your index finger, stand upright and press your finger to apply pressure.
What do you do with my blood sample after it has been used?
All samples are destroyed after testing.
Can the lancet be used on other parts of the body other than my index finger?
Although the index finger is recommended, it can also be used on the heel of your foot.
Do I have to visit my GP or Medical doctor to take the blood sample?
No, our test samples can be completed by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
