Liver Lab Values

Question 1

Alkaline Phospatase

Answer 1

• An enzyme produced primarily by the liver, bone, and placenta and excreted through the bile ducts.
• Marked elevation associated with obstructive jaundice

Question 2

Alpha-Fetoprotein

Answer 2

• A protein normally synthesized by the liver, yolk sac, and GI tract of the fetus
• A nonspecific marker for malignancy

Question 3

Alanine Aminotransferase

Answer 3

• An ensyme found in high concentration in the liver and lower concentrations in the heart, muscle, and kidneys.
• Remains elevated longer than aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
• Elevation associated with cirrhosis, hepatitis, and biliary obstruction.
• mild elevation associated with liver metastasis

Question 4

Bilirubin

Answer 4

• A product from breakdown of hemoglobin in old RBC
• Reflects the balance between production and excretion of bile
• Elevation of direct or conjugated bilirubin is associated with obstructive, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver metastasis
• Elevation of indirect or nonconjugated bilirubin is associated with nonobstructive conditions

Question 5

Prothrombin Time

Answer 5

• Normal clotting time is 10 to 15 sec
• Enzyme produced by the liver
• production depends on amount of vitamin K
• Elevation associated with cirrhosis, malignancy, malabsorption of vitamin K, and clotting failure
• Decreases with subacute or acute cholecystitis, internal biliary fistula, carcinoma of the gallbladder, injury to biliary ducts, prolonged extrahepatic biliary obstruction.

Question 6

Serum Albumin

Answer 6

Decrease suggests a decrease in protein synthesis