Categories: Pathology

Liver Function Test Interpretation

Liver Function Test (LFT) Interpretation

MarkerFunctionResult/Conditions
ALT
(Alanine Aminotransferase)		Enzyme found in the liver
Raised levels:
  • Inflammation
  • Liver disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Haemochromatosis
  • EBV, CMV
  • Paracetamol
  • Methotrexate
AST
(Aspartate Aminotransferase)		Enzyme found in the liver, heart and muscles
Raised levels:
  • Liver disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Drug and alcohol toxicity
  • EBV, CMV
  • Inflammation
ALP
(Alkaline Phosphatase)		Enzyme produced in liver, bones and placenta during pregnancy
Raised levels:
  • Liver disease
  • Bile duct obstruction
  • Growth spurt
  • Bone disorders
  • Pregnancy
Lowered levels:
  • OCP use
  • Anti-epileptics
GGT
(Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase)		Enzyme found in the liver
Raised levels
  • Liver disease
  • Bile duct obstruction
  • Gallbladder issues
  • Acute/chronic alcohol abuse
AlbuminA protein produced by the liver. Helps prevent fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, transports substances throughout the body.
Lowered levels:
  • Acute and chronic inflammatory responses
  • Liver disease (acute and chronic)
  • Kidney disease
  • Heart failure
  • Malnutrition
Raised levels:
  • Dehydration
    • Can elevate due to fasting from mild dehydration
GlobulinGroup of proteins produced by the liver and immune system
Raised levels:
  • Certain cancers
  • Inflammatory diseases
  • Immune disorders
  • Infection
Total ProteinMeasures total of Albumin and globulin
Lowered levels:
  • Malnutrition
  • Liver disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Congestive Heart Failure
Raised in:
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Inflammatory disorders
  • Dehydration
Bilirubin
A substance made during breakdown of RBCs. Found in bile.
Unconjugated: Waste product of RBCs taken up by the liver.
Conjugated: Water soluble and excreted into bile for elimination.
Raised levels:
  • Unconjugated
    • Haemolytic anemia
    • Ineffective erythropoetis
    • Gilbert’s syndrome
  • Conjugated
    • Hepatitis
    • Liver disease
    • Gall bladder disease
    • Drug toxicity
Lowered levels:
  • Caffeine
  • NSAIDs
  • Barbiturates
Prothrombin TimeMeasures how long it takes blood to clot
High:
  • Liver disease/damage
  • Blood thinning medication
  • Vitamin K deficiency
  • Inadequate protein
Low:
  • Vitamin K supplementation
  • Estrogen containing medications
LDH
(Lactate Dehydrogenase)		Enzyme involved in energy metabolism. Found in heart, liver, kidneys, muscles, lungs, blood cells
Raised levels
  • Tissue damage
  • Infections
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Pancreatitis
  • Haemolytic and pernicious anaemia
Pagana, K. D., & Pagana, T. J. (2019). Mosby’s Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference (14th ed.) Elsevier Health Sciences
Williamson, M. A., Snyder, L. M., & Wallach, J. B. 1. (2011). Wallach’s interpretation of diagnostic tests. (9th ed.) Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
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4 years ago

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