What Does High Liver Function Mean?

Liver function tests are designed to determine the health of your liver. The results help health care professionals determine whether you have a liver virus or disease, and monitor damage to the liver caused by cirrhosis.

Significance

• Results from a liver function test noted to be "high" generally indicate damage to the liver or the presence of a virus, such as hepatitis.

Considerations

• Further testing may be required to determine the extent of damage or to pinpoint the cause of the higher level of proteins and enzymes present in your blood.

Effects

• When liver functions are high it is important to follow up with your health care provider because your liver can sustain irreversible damage.

Considerations

• If you work in the public or health care industry and feel you have been exposed to Hepatitis A or B it is advisable to contact your physician immediately to have your liver functions tested.

Prevention/Solution

• Often findings from a high liver function test are treatable and completely curable.