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Liver Function Test Results

The liver regulates blood sugar, stores glucose and vitamins, and metabolizes nutrients absorbed in the intestine. It also synthesizes many plasma proteins, removes waste products and cleanses the blood of toxins. Diseases like hepatitis, cirrhosis and jaundice interfere with these functions.

  1. Liver Function Tests

    • No single test can determine liver function. A liver function panel, usually consisting of tests for alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, albumin and total protein is run on a patient's blood sample.

    Test Results

    • An increase in the enzymes ALT and AST in the blood, or a decrease in albumin and total protein, may indicate liver damage. Increased ALP can indicate bile duct blockage. Increased bilirubin leads to jaundice.

    Normal Test Ranges

    • Normal test ranges vary between laboratories, but are approximately as follows: ALP: 30 to 120 units per liter; ALT: 5 to 60 units per liter; AST: 5 to 40 units per liter; albumin: 3.5 to 4.8 units per liter; bilirubin: 0.2 to 1.3 mg/deciliter; total protein: 6.3 to 8.2 grams per deciliter.

    Other Liver Tests

    • Other tests are sometimes run in addition to the liver panel, including gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and prothrombine time.

    Testing Errors

    • Occasionally, a patient's test results will be incorrect. Established safeguards usually reveal such rare occurrences.

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