Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease Tests

These gastrointestinal and liver disease tests are designed to highlight any issues associated with the GI tract or healthy liver function

Gastrointestinal issues are typically attributed some inflammation in the GI tract, these panels point out potential causes so sufferers of various diseases like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and Crone’s Disease can begin a treatment program. The liver's main job is to filter the blood coming from the digestive tract, before passing it to the rest of the body. The liver also detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes drugs. As it does so, the liver secretes bile that ends up back in the intestines. The liver also makes proteins important for blood clotting and other functions.

Why are these gastrointestinal and liver disease tests performed?

Gastrointestinal disease symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever and weight loss. So efforts to curb those issues can be highlighted through one of our lab tests. There are a number of potential health conditions that can ultimately affect your health that our panels can highlight, such as: · Hepatitis: Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by viruses like hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis can have non-infectious causes too, including heavy drinking, drugs, allergic reactions, or obesity. · Cirrhosis: Long-term damage to the liver from any cause can lead to permanent scarring, called cirrhosis. The liver then becomes unable to function well. · Liver cancer: The most common type of liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, almost always occurs after cirrhosis is present. · Liver failure: Liver failure has many causes including infection, genetic diseases, and excessive alcohol. · Ascites: As cirrhosis results, the liver leaks fluid (ascites) into the belly, which becomes distended and heavy. · Gallstones: If a gallstone becomes stuck in the bile duct draining the liver, hepatitis and bile duct infection (cholangitis) can result. · Hemochromatosis: Hemochromatosis allows iron to deposit in the liver, damaging it. The iron also deposits throughout the body, causing multiple other health problems. · Primary sclerosing cholangitis: A rare disease with unknown causes, primary sclerosing cholangitis causes inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts in the liver. · Primary biliary cirrhosis: In this rare disorder, an unclear process slowly destroys the bile ducts in the liver. Permanent liver scarring (cirrhosis) eventually develops.

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