Liver Blood Tests

Question 1

Which 6 tests constitute a liver panel?

Answer 1

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)

Albumin

Total protein

Bilirubin

Question 2

Albumin and which other principal type of protein measured in a total protein test?

Answer 2

Immunoglobulins

Question 3

If a patient has raised total protein levels but normal levels of albumin, which pathology could this suggest?

Answer 3

Multiple myeloma

Question 4

If ALP is abnormal but other liver enzymes are normal, what is the likely location of the pathology?

Answer 4

Bone

Question 5

Raised levels of both of the aminotransferases on a liver blood test indicate what?

Answer 5

Cell damage, due to inflammation or cell death

Question 6

If both of the aminotransferases are raised along with creatine kinase, what does this suggest?

Answer 6

Muscle damage

Question 7

If both of the aminotransferases are raised along with troponin, what does this suggest?

Answer 7

A problem with the heart

Question 8

Which aminotransferase is generally higher in acute liver damage?

Answer 8

ALT

Question 9

Which aminotransferase can be used over time as indicative of cirrhosis?

Answer 9

AST

Question 10

What types of bilirubin are measured in a liver blood test?

Answer 10

Total bilirubin and conjugated bilirubin

Question 11

What do levels of conjugated bilirubin in a blood test indicate?

Answer 11

Conjugated bilirubin is not normally found in the blood and so it suggests a blockage of the bile duct or liver dysfunction

Question 12

Levels of which liver enzyme is closely related to the consumption of alcohol and can be used to monitor whether a patient is staying abstinent after withdrawal?

Answer 12

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)