LFT interpretation

Question 1

Purpose of ALT, AST, ALP + GGT?

Answer 1

Assesses Liver health, differentiates hepatic damage and cholestasis.

Question 2

Purpose of Bilirubin, Albumin + Prothrombin time?

Answer 2

Assesses Liver’s synthetic function.

Question 3

What is a significant increase in ALT?

Answer 3

Equal or greater than 10x increase

Question 4

What is a significant increase in ALP?

Answer 4

Equal or greater than 3x increase

Question 5

Significance of raised ALP vs ALT?

Answer 5

Increases must be significant
ALT > ALP: Hepatocellular damage
ALP > ALT: Obstructive (cholestatic)
ALT = ALP (both significant) = both HC and Obstructive

Question 6

Interpretation of GGT?

Answer 6

Assess biliary tree damage = obstruction of bile.

Used ALONGSIDE ALP.

Question 7

ALP rise without GGT?

Answer 7

Bones pathology (fracture, metastases), 
Vitamin D deficiency.

Question 8

Interpretation AST: ALT ratio?

Answer 8

Ratio <1 (AST1 (ALT>AST) - Cirrhosis

Ratio >2 (ALT > AST) - Acute Alcoholic Hepatitis