Question
What blood tests are drawn by the doctor during childbirth? Is it for liver disease checks?
Answer
Blood tests taken from newborns are typically to check liver function, as liver function tests can confirm whether the newborn has suffered liver damage. Liver damage can lead to the degeneration or necrosis of liver cells, which in turn affects the release of enzymes from liver cells into the blood, reduces the liver’s ability to synthesize proteins and glycogenolysis, and causes retained substances such as unconjugated bilirubin and ammonia in the blood. It is recommended to perform a detailed liver function test and hepatitis B surface antigen test. There are many causes of pediatric liver disease, so if a child is diagnosed with pediatric liver disease, parents should cooperate with the doctor to treat it promptly, including gastrointestinal decompression and forming good hygiene habits. Parents should also pay attention not to let their children develop the habit of picky eating and not eating well, maintaining a reasonable dietary structure.