What should you know about dengue and liver function test?

A liver function test is a group of blood measurements that can indicate how the liver is coping. Results may reflect irritation of liver cells, bile flow, or the liver's ability to make proteins. Dengue can alter some results, but similar changes may occur with viral hepatitis, alcohol-related disease, medicines, or other infections.

One result is not a diagnosis. A clinician interprets the pattern alongside fever, abdominal symptoms, examination findings, blood counts, dengue testing, previous results, and any medicines or supplements you use.

Tell the clinician about recent travel, mosquito exposure, alcohol, prescribed medicines, pain relievers, supplements, and previous liver problems. Follow instructions about food and drink before the blood draw if you receive them. Do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. You may need repeat testing if symptoms or results change.

Seek urgent care for yellow skin or eyes, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, confusion, unusual drowsiness, bleeding, faintness, breathing difficulty, or very little urine. These symptoms need assessment even if a previous liver function test was reassuring.

Ask which liver markers are being checked, what other tests are needed to assess dengue, whether any medicine should be avoided, and when results or repeat testing will be reviewed.