Liver disease is often silent, many people have no symptoms until the disease is quite advanced. That’s why it’s important to check your liver health regularly, even if you feel well. Simple blood tests can give valuable information about how your liver is functioning. Talk to your GP about getting your liver tested.

These initial tests usually include liver enzymes such as:

ALT (Alanine Transaminase)

AST (Aspartate Transaminase)

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)

GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

If any concerns come up, your GP can refer you to a hepatologist (liver specialist) for further assessment and care.

If your family doctor sees any abnormal results on your initial lab tests above, they will then order an ultrasound of the liver and some extra tests.

These might include but are not limited to:

1. Hemoglobin A1C and Fasting Blood glucose (markers of whether you might have diabetes)

2. Lipid Panel (to check if your cholesterol or fat storage molecules are high)

3. Tests for infection with Hepatitis B or C (many people might have been infected at some point in time and don't know it!)

4. Screening for autoimmune liver disease

5. Ferritin, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC)

The liver specialist with Calgary Liver Unit (calgaryliverunit.com) can help guide some of these tests. 

Your GP can request a review of your file through Hepatology Central Access Triage or get telephone advice through specialist link.

https://albertafindadoctor.ca is a great website that allows you to put in your address and find out which family doctors are accepting patients near you.