Does anyone know anything about liver function tests and scans? Worried about DH.

[notjustamummythankyou]

My DH had a routine blood test last week. Two days later, the doctor called to tell him that one of the liver function indicators on the blood test was 'abnormally high' and that further investigation would be needed.

The doc called again last night to say that he will arrange for my DH to have a scan, and that a further two blood tests will have to be done.

My DH is pretty matter of fact about all of this, as our surgery does have a bit of a reputation for very speedy referral on all manner of ailments. However, I'm a bit of a worrier, and I can't help, well, worrying!

DH is still in his 30s, slightly overweight maybe but nowhere near obese. He's quite fit (cycles everyday), has the odd glass of wine on an evening but that's it. He does have raised cholesterol,which runs in his family.

What would the scans / blood test be looking for? DH says not to worry until there's something to worry about, but I'm finding that a little difficult right now.

Thoughts??

liver function tests can be raised for all sorts of reasons - viruses, bit too much alcohol the night before, etc.

Sounds like your GP surgery is on the ball, which is good - but I'm not going to say 'don't worry' because, you know, you will

That said, its very common for LFTs to be raised and it turn out to be nothing.

And I relate to worrying about dhs - mine currently undergoing blood tests and endoscopy for reflux etc, and at 3am the inside of my brain is not a health place

If it's alkaline phosphatase there are a number of people who have a raised level just naturally. I'm one. It comes up whenever I have a blood test. It's lower if the blood test is a fasting one. GPs new to it often react with alarm and insist of retesting. But I've had it 30 years now with no other symptoms of anything. It goes up and down but is always too high. I hope this helps.

Thank you - very reassuring! He's having his bloods at the end of the week and the appointment the hospital hasn't come in yet. The doctor did say that a 'spike' like this can just happen for no apparent reason, so that's reassuring too. We shall wait and see!

My brother - who seems identical to your DH weight and lifestyle wise - had this.

He had blood tests and scans and no cause was ever found. He is fine now and blood tests show normal levels. The hospital said it happens and it could have been the after effects of a virus that he didn't really notice.

That interesting,charlie (ooh look - CAKE! Clever! ) . In fact, my dm has just reminded me that my BIL went through exactly the same thing and no reason was found with him either...

My dp had problems with his liver tests. Raised levels. I can't remember the proper term.They done blood tests, scans and a biopsy and found him to have non acholic steto hepititus. This is a fatty inflamed liver. We were very worried at the time, but all in all he went alcohol free for a few years and went on a very low fat diet. They said it would never go away but it improved a lot and now on normal diet and low alcohol intake and just has a blood test every 5yrs to keep an eye on things. As for me, I once had a funny liver test and yet it was all fine on the next testing!! Try not to worry.