Liver Function Test: What You Need to Know for Liver Health

Liver function tests serve the following purposes:

• To diagnose liver diseases – hepatitis, cirrhosis
• Monitoring the progression of diseases such as viral or alcoholic hepatitis and assessing the effectiveness of treatments.
• Evaluating the severity of liver conditions, particularly cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
• Monitoring for potential side effects of medications.
• Liver function tests analyze the levels of specific enzymes and proteins in the blood.

Abnormal levels, either higher or lower than the normal range, can indicate liver issues. Some common liver function tests include:

• Alanine transaminase (ALT) test: ALT is an enzyme predominantly present in the liver and aids in protein breakdown. Elevated levels of ALT in the bloodstream may indicate liver damage.
• Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) test: ALP is an enzyme found in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. Increased ALP levels can suggest liver damage or disease, a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases.
• Albumin and total protein test: Albumin is among the various proteins synthesized in the liver, serving essential functions such as infection-fighting and other vital processes within the body. When albumin and total protein levels are lower than normal, it can be indicative of liver damage or disease.
• Aspartate transaminase (AST) test: AST is another liver enzyme that helps metabolize amino acids. Higher AST levels in the blood may indicate liver damage or disease.
• Bilirubin test: Bilirubin is produced during the breakdown of red blood cells. Typically, the liver eliminates bilirubin from the body. Elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood, leading to a condition called jaundice, may suggest liver damage.
• Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test: Increased levels of the GGT enzyme can indicate damage to the liver or bile ducts.

General symptoms of liver problems include lack of appetite, nausea or vomiting, weakness or feeling very tired, yellowish skin or eyes, dark urine or light-coloured stools, or swelling in the belly.