Liver Function Tests

Question 1

Albumin

Answer 1

Protein made by the liver
Lower in chronic liver disease e.g cirrhosis
Lower in nephrotic damage (kidneys)

Question 2

AST

Answer 2

Enzyme associated with hepatocytes - also in cardiac cells, RBCs and skeletal muscle though

Raised in ACUTE liver damage

Question 3

ALT

Answer 3

A more specific liver enzyme in hepatocytes

RAISED in acute liver damage

If extremely raised - over 1000 then hepatitis (rule out alcoholic liver disease)

Question 4

ALP

Answer 4

Enzyme in the biliary duct. (Also in bone and placenta)

Raised in biliary duct obstruction, cholestasis, cirrhosis, hepatic cancer. (Also raised in growing children, osteoporosis and pregnancy)

Question 5

Total bilirubin

Answer 5

The breakdown product of heme.
Conjugated and Unconjugated measure. Cause of jaundice

Raised in haemolytic anaemia, impaired liver function, obstruction of the bile duct

Question 6

Direct conjugated bilirubin

Answer 6

Has been acted on by the liver

If normal - problem upstream e.g haemolytic

If raised - blockage of conjugated bilirubin - cholestasis

Question 7

Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase

Answer 7

Raised in Chronic alcohol toxicity

Raised with ALP in biliary tract obstruction/disease

Question 8

INR

Answer 8

A measure of prothrombin time as a ratio compared to the average. (Clotting)

Raised in liver dysfunction but also by anticoagulant drugs

Higher INR - blood less likely to clot