|  | Conditions Treatments | Hepatitis

What Do High Liver Levels Mean?

Elevated liver enzyme levels may be a sign of damage to the liver. Liver damage can have many possible causes, so talk to your doctor about any elevated results on your liver enzyme test.

  1. Blood Tests

    • Standard blood tests can be performed to evaluate liver storage, metabolism and other functions aided by these enzymes.

    ALT and AST

    • Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) liver enzymes in the blood may be a sign of liver injury, according to LiverFacts. These enzymes can leak out into the blood as a result of liver injury.

    PT

    • The prothrombin time (PT) is a measure of a person's blood clotting time. Liver damage may cause a person's PT levels to be elevated, indicating a greater chance of bleeding.

    GGT and ALP

    • Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) are called cholestatic liver enzymes, according to the AIDS Treatment Data Network. Elevated levels may be caused by gallbladder disease, alcoholic liver disease or scarring of the bile ducts.

    Bilirubin

    • Elevated levels of bilirubin may be a result of viral hepatitis, liver scarring or blocked bile ducts, according to the AIDS Treatment Data Network. Increased levels of bilirubin can cause jaundice.

Hepatitis - Related Articles