Liver function tests - Mayo Clinic
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Liver function tests are blood tests used to help diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. The tests measure the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Some of these tests measure how well the liver is performing its normal functions of producing protein and clearing bilirubin, a blood waste product. Other liver function tests measure enzymes that liver cells release in response to damage or disease. Abnormal liver function test results don't always indicate liver disease. Your doctor will explain your results and what they mean. Products & Services
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Liver function tests can be used to: Screen for liver infections, such as hepatitis Monitor the progression of a disease, such as viral or alcoholic hepatitis, and determine how well a treatment is working Measure the severity of a disease, particularly scarring of the liver (cirrhosis) Monitor possible side effects of medications Liver function tests check the levels of certain enzymes and proteins in your blood. Levels that are higher or lower than normal can indicate liver problems. Some common liver function tests include: Alanine transaminase (ALT). ALT is an enzyme found in the liver that helps convert proteins into energy for the liver cells. When the liver is damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream and levels increase. Aspartate transaminase (AST). AST is an enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids. Like ALT, AST is normally present in blood at low levels. An increase in AST levels may indicate liver damage, disease or muscle damage. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). ALP is an enzyme found in the liver and bone and is important for breaking down proteins. Higher-than-normal levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease, such as a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases. Albumin and total protein. Albumin is one of several proteins made in the liver. Your body needs these proteins to fight infections and to perform other functions. Lower-than-normal levels of albumin and total protein may indicate liver damage or disease. Bilirubin. Bilirubin is a substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted in stool. Elevated levels of bilirubin (jaundice) might indicate liver damage or disease or certain types of anemia. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT). GGT is an enzyme in the blood. Higher-than-normal levels may indicate liver or bile duct damage. L-lactate dehydrogenase (LD). LD is an enzyme found in the liver. Elevated levels may indicate liver damage but can be elevated in many other disorders. Prothrombin time (PT). PT is the time it takes your blood to clot. Increased PT may indicate liver damage but can also be elevated if you're taking certain blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin. More Information
Acute liver failureAlcoholic hepatitisAnorexia nervosaCholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)CirrhosisEhrlichiosis and anaplasmosisEnlarged spleen (splenomegaly)Eye melanomaGilbert syndromeHemochromatosisHepatitis BHepatocellular carcinomaHIV/AIDSLiver diseaseLupusNonalcoholic fatty liver diseaseObesityPrimary sclerosing cholangitisSepsisWilson's diseaseShow more related information Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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The blood sample for liver function tests is usually taken from a vein in your arm. The main risk associated with blood tests is soreness or bruising at the site of the blood draw. Most people don't have serious reactions to having blood drawn. How you prepare
Certain foods and medications can affect the results of your liver function tests. Your doctor will probably ask you to avoid eating food and taking some medications before your blood is drawn. What you can expect
During the test
The blood sample for liver function tests is usually drawn through a small needle inserted into a vein in the bend of your arm. The needle is attached to a small tube, to collect your blood. You may feel a quick pain as the needle is inserted into your arm and experience some short-term discomfort at the site after the needle is removed. After the test
Your blood will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. If the lab analysis is done on-site, you could have your test results within hours. If your doctor sends your blood to an off-site laboratory, you may receive the results within several days. Results
Normal blood test results for typical liver function tests include: ALT. 7 to 55 units per liter (U/L) AST. 8 to 48 U/L ALP. 40 to 129 U/L Albumin. 3.5 to 5.0 grams per deciliter (g/dL) Total protein. 6.3 to 7.9 g/dL Bilirubin. 0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) GGT. 8 to 61 U/L LD. 122 to 222 U/L PT. 9.4 to 12.5 seconds These results are typical for adult men. Normal results vary from laboratory to laboratory and might be slightly different for women and children. Your doctor will use these results to help diagnose your condition or determine treatment you might need. If you already have liver disease, liver function tests can help determine how your disease is progressing and if you're responding to treatment. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments Aug. 18, 2021 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references Diagnosing liver disease: Liver biopsy and liver function tests. American Liver Foundation. https://liverfoundation.org/for-patients/about-the-liver/diagnosing-liver-disease/#1503683241165-6d0a5a72-83a9. Accessed April 12, 2021. Laboratory tests of the liver and gallbladder. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/testing-for-hepatic-and-biliary-disorders/laboratory-tests-of-the-liver-and-gallbladder. Accessed April 12, 2021. Friedman LS. Approach to the patient with abnormal liver biochemical and function tests. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 12, 2021. Blood tests. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/blood-tests. Accessed April 12, 2021. ALT. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8362. Accessed April 12, 2021. AST. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8360. Accessed April 12, 2021. ALP. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8340. Accessed April 12, 2021. ALB. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8436. Accessed April 12, 2021. Total protein. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8520. Accessed April 12, 2021. Bilirubin. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8452. Accessed April 12, 2021. GGT. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8677. Accessed April 12, 2021. LD. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8344. Accessed April 12, 2021. PT. Mayo Medical Laboratories. https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/40934. Accessed April 12, 2021. Kashyap PC (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. May 31, 2019. Related
Acute liver failure Alcoholic hepatitis Anorexia nervosa Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer) Cirrhosis Ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) Eye melanoma Gilbert syndrome Hemochromatosis Hepatitis B Hepatocellular carcinoma HIV/AIDS Liver disease Lupus Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease Obesity Primary sclerosing cholangitis Sepsis Wilson's disease Show more related content Products & Services
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