AFP – alpha-fetoprotein, a protein produced by liver cells normally found only in tiny traces in your body. The AFP blood test is a common test for liver cancer.
Antigen – a foreign, invading protein. When recognised by the body as foreign, the body’s immune defence will react to the antigen by producing antibodies.
Antibody – a specific immunoglobulin (protein) produced by your body as part of a defence reaction against an invading substance (antigen).
Autoantibodies – abnormal antibodies that attack your own body tissues because it has mistaken them as foreign.
Blood markers – substances measured in blood which may increase if infection or disease is present or suspected.
Blood serum – the clear, liquid part of your blood. Serum will separate from blood during clotting.
Cholestasis – a condition where the flow of bile from the liver is reduced.
DNA – deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material of cells carrying the instructions for making up our bodies.
ELISA – enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, a biochemical test used to detect the presence of an antibody or an antigen in a sample.
Enzyme – a substance, usually a protein, produced by the body to help speed up a chemical reaction (which can be measured with liver function tests).
GGT – gamma-glutamyl transferase, a liver enzyme in your blood that is measured to check
for liver damage.
Hepatic – anything relating to the liver.
Hepatitis – any inflammation of the liver is known as hepatitis, whether it is caused by a virus or not. A sudden inflammation of the liver is known as acute hepatitis. Where inflammation of the liver lasts longer than six months the condition is known as chronic hepatitis.
Hepatocyte – a liver cell.
Hepatologist – a doctor who specialises in liver disease.
Immunoglobulins – also known as Ig, these are large proteins that act as antibodies found in body fluids and cell tissues. They will bind to invading organisms, such as bacteria or viruses, to destroy them.
Inflammation – the first response of your immune system to infection or injury, usually noticeable by pain, swelling or tenderness.
Metabolic – relating to the break down and processing of substances in your body for growth
and vitality.
Pathogenesis – the development of a disease or illness.
Pathological – relating to or caused by a disease.
Protein – a large molecule made from amino acids (peptides) required for the structure and working of your body's cells, tissues, and organs. Most proteins are made in the liver.
RIBA – recombinant immunoblot assay, a sensitive test used to detect the presence of anti-HCV antibodies in your blood.
RNA – Ribonucleic acid plays an important role in translating the genetic information (DNA) into protein production (synthesis)
Seroconversion – a change in your blood test so that something related to the virus appears. This may be an antigen, an antibody or the virus itself.
Stent – a small, thin wire-mesh or plastic tube used when treating obstructions in the bile ducts. Where there is a narrowing (stricture) in the bile duct the doctor will insert a stent to open up the duct to keep it from collapsing.
Tumour markers – substances found in blood, urine or body tissues which may increase if cancer is present or suspected. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), for example, is a protein that is a tumour marker for liver cancer.
Viral load – the amount of virus in your blood.
Virus – a microscopic particle that infects living cells by getting inside them and reproducing (replicating). Viruses cannot reproduce by themselves and can only multiply from within the cells of their living host.