Liver function tests measure enzymes and proteins in the blood to detect liver damage or disease. Elevated levels of enzymes such as ALT, AST, and ALP, as well as low levels of proteins like albumin and total protein, can indicate liver problems. Bilirubin levels can also indicate liver damage or disease.
A person’s liver function test results can indicate liver health and help doctors detect liver damage or disease. Liver function tests measure the level of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood. Some liver function tests indicate damage if they are higher than normal, while other test results will show a lower than normal level if there is liver damage. These tests can also help a doctor monitor the side effects of medications that affect the liver. Illnesses such as cirrhosis or hepatitis can affect liver function test results.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) is a liver function test that measures the levels of an enzyme present in the liver. If the liver is damaged or diseased, this enzyme is released, raising the level of the enzyme in the blood. Normal liver function test results for ALT are between 7 and 55 units per liter (U/L).
Similar to ALT, the aspartate transaminase (AST) liver test measures another type of enzyme found in the liver. Levels of this enzyme rise if there is liver damage or if a person is suffering from liver disease. Normal AST liver function results are 8 to 48 U/L. Higher results on this test indicate liver problems.
Another liver function test that measures enzymes is the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test. ALP levels are elevated in liver disease or dysfunction. Normally, ALP levels are 45 to 115 U/L, and if these or other liver function test results are abnormal, a person should see a doctor.
In addition to enzymes, liver function tests can also measure proteins. Albumin tests measure a type of protein made by the liver to help the body function properly. If this test result is lower than usual, it may indicate liver damage or disease. Normal test levels of albumin are 3.5 to 5 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Total protein is another liver test that measures the protein produced by the liver. Normally, total protein levels should be between 6.3 and 7.9 g/dL. If these levels are low, it could indicate liver problems.
A bilirubin test is another evaluation of liver function that measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood or urine. Bilirubin is a type of chemical left behind when red blood cells break down. In a healthy body, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted. High levels of bilirubin can indicate liver damage or disease. Normal levels of bilirubin are between 0.1 and 1 milligram per deciliter (mg/dL).
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