Liver function tests

Question 1

What are tests done to asses liver functions?

Answer 1

AST / ALT
Albumin 
PT
Bilirubin
ALP

Question 2

What is the normal value for AST or SGPT?

Answer 2

Less than 55 U/L

Question 3

What is the normal value for AST or SGOT?

Answer 3

Less than 45 U / L

Question 4

When do liver enzymes increase?

Answer 4

When there is a problem in liver.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of testing ALT/AST?

Answer 5

These enzymes may originate from other sources than the liver, they are not indicative of serious diseases aswell.

“In liver cirrhosis ——> less than 100, even though it is a serious case”

Question 6

What is the normal level of albumin?

Answer 6

3.5-5 g/dl

Question 7

What is the normal level of PT?

Answer 7

10-14 sec

Question 8

What are the levels of bilirubin in blood?

Answer 8

Total: 0.2 - 1 mg/dl
Direct: 0 - 0.2 mg/dl
Indirect: 0.2 - 0.8 mg/dl

Question 9

What does increase in direct and indirect bilirubin indicate?

Answer 9

A problem in the liver

Question 10

What does increase in indirect bilirubin indicate?

Answer 10

Increased RBCs hemolysis

Question 11

What does increase in direct bilirubin indicate?

Answer 11

Decreased Execretion due to obstruction

Question 12

What is the normal level of ALP?

Answer 12

20 - 140 IU/L

Question 13

What does increase in ALP indicate?

Answer 13

Obstructive jaundice

Question 14

What are the disadvantages of testing ALP?

Answer 14

May increase in bone problems aswell.

Question 15

How to differentiate between increase in ALP due to obstructive jaundice and increased ALP due to bone problems?

Answer 15

By testing for GGT, if increased then the problem is in the liver.