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Why it's done
By Mayo Clinic staffLiver function tests may be done for a variety of reasons, including:
- To screen for liver infections, such as hepatitis
- To monitor the progression of a disease like viral or alcoholic hepatitis and determine how well a treatment is working
- To measure the severity of a disease, particularly cirrhosis — an irreversible scarring of the liver
- To monitor possible side effects of certain medications
Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Higher or lower than normal levels can indicate liver problems. Some common liver function tests include:
- Alanine transaminase (ALT). An enzyme found mainly in liver cells, ALT helps your body metabolize protein. Normally, ALT levels in the blood are low. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released in the bloodstream and levels increase.
- Aspartate transaminase (AST). The enzyme AST plays a role in the metabolism of alanine, an amino acid. AST is found in high concentrations in liver cells. An increase in AST levels may indicate liver damage or disease.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALP is an enzyme in the liver and bile ducts, as well as some other tissues. Higher than normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease.
- Albumin and total protein. Levels of albumin — a protein made by the liver — and total protein show how well your liver is making proteins that your body needs to fight infections and perform other functions. Lower than normal levels may indicate liver damage or disease.
- Bilirubin. Bilirubin results from the breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in your stool. Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) may indicate liver damage or disease.
Additional tests that may be used to evaluate liver function include:
- Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). This test measures the amount of the enzyme GGT in the blood. Higher than normal levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage.
- L-lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). LDH is an enzyme found in many body tissues, including the liver. Elevated levels of LDH may indicate liver damage.
- Prothrombin time (PT). This test measures the clotting time of plasma. Increased PT may indicate liver damage.
References
- Kaplan MM, et al. Approach to the patient with abnormal liver function tests. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Feldman M, et al. Sleisenger and Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 9th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/php/208033710-3/homepage. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Common blood tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/bdt/bdt_what.html. Accessed July 2, 2010.
- Laboratory reference values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; July 1, 2010.
- PT and INR. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/pt/glance.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- Albumin. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/albumin/test.html#is. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- ALT. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/alt/glance.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- AST. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ast/glance.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
- ALP. Lab Tests Online. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/alp/glance.html. Accessed July 6, 2010.
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