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Liver Function Tests
Liver Function Tests
Test Overview
Some blood tests are used to determine whether your liver is damaged or inflamed. Although these tests help your doctor evaluate how well your liver is working, they cannot tell if you have hepatitis C.
Tests that assess liver function
Your doctor may do tests to measure certain chemicals produced by the liver. These tests can help your doctor check how well your liver is working.
Tests may measure:
- Bilirubin.
- Albumin.
- Total serum protein.
Tests that check for inflammation of the liver (liver enzyme studies)
Your liver may be damaged if you have increased levels of:
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT).
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT).
An increased level of alkaline phosphatase (AP) may indicate blockage of bile ducts.
Why It Is Done
Why It Is Done
Liver tests are done when a medical history or physical exam suggests that something may be wrong with your liver.
These tests can also help diagnose long-term (chronic) infection. If liver enzymes are high, a test for hepatitis C antibodies may be done to see if you have hepatitis C.
If you are being treated with antiviral therapy, you may have liver tests from time to time to see whether treatment is working.
How To Prepare
How To Prepare
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
How It Is Done
How It Is Done
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Results
Results
Normal
All levels are within the normal range.
Abnormal
One or more levels are outside the normal range. Abnormal liver function tests may mean that your liver is inflamed or is not working normally. This can be a sign that you have a viral infection.
Current as of: September 8, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & W. Thomas London MD - Hepatology
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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