Blood tests that assess the general health of the liver or biliary system. Abnormal results denote the possibility of liver damage or inflammation. Liver function tests, in combination with a physical examination and a medical history, are used to diagnose and plan treatment for a variety of liver diseases, including hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), cirrhosis (a severe liver disease), and alcoholic liver disease.
A blood test for a specific aspect of liver metabolism. Because of the diversity of liver functions and the disorders that may affect those functions, no single test provides a reliable measure of overall liver function. The ability to excrete bile pigments is measured by determining the serum bilirubin level; the levels of serum enzymes such as the aminotransferases aspartate and alanine may be used to assess damage to the liver cells and biliary tract obstruction or dysfunction. Levels of the serum proteins albumin and globulin and their ratio are used to judge the synthetic functions of the liver. Certain blood clotting factors are also synthesized in the liver, and abnormalities may indicate impairments in hepatic synthesis. Blood ammonia levels are elevated in some patients with either acute or chronic liver disease; marked elevations may suggest acute or chronic liver failure.
Examinations employed to assess the metabolic, storage, filtration, and elimination functions of the liver. These tests encompass the measurement of alkaline phosphatase, serum alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels.
Blood chemistry tests capable of identifying alterations in the liver’s production of new substances, as well as its breakdown and elimination of old ones. Additionally, these tests can provide insights into the health status of liver cells, indicating whether they are functioning soundly or have sustained damage.