What are Liver Function Tests or Screening for Elevated Liver Enzymes?
Liver enzyme tests, or liver function tests (LFTs), are blood tests that detect how well liver is doing. Liver enzyme testing includes ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase; true liver function tests (LFTs) also include PT, INR, albumin, and bilirubin.
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Alanine Aminotranferease (ALT or SGPT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) are enzymes located in liver cells and elevated liver enzymes in blood suggest possible liver damage.
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Alkaline Phosphatase, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP). High levels of ALP may indicate liver damage or disease, such as a blocked bile duct, or certain bone diseases.
Who should have a Liver Function Test/Enzyme Screening?
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Screen for liver infections , such as hepatitis
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Monitoring of existing liver disease, such as viral or alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis
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Any medication which can harm liver such as cholesterol lowering medicines
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Alcohol use
