Liver Function Tests: About These Tests

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Location of the liver in the body

What is it?

Liver function tests check to see how well your liver is working. Some tests measure the amount of certain enzymes in your blood. This can show if the liver is damaged or inflamed.

Other tests measure how well the liver can make certain proteins. Or they show how well the liver removes waste products from the body.

Your doctor will use the test results to help look for conditions such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, or gallbladder problems. Test results that are not normal don't always mean there is a problem with your liver. Your doctor can find out if there is a problem based on your results.

The tests may include:

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).

This test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in your blood.

Total protein and albumin.

A total serum protein test measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in your blood (albumin and globulin). It also shows the total amount of protein. An albumin test measures albumin only.

Bilirubin.

This test measures the amount of bilirubin in your blood. When levels are high, the skin and whites of the eyes may look yellow (jaundice). This may be caused by liver disease.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

These tests measure the amount of the enzymes AST and ALT in your blood.

Why is this test done?

Liver function tests check how well your liver is working. Some tests help show if your liver is damaged or inflamed. Your doctor may order liver function tests if you have symptoms of liver disease. These tests also may be done to see how well a treatment for liver disease is working.

How do you prepare for the test?

In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.

How is the test done?

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

What happens after the test?

  • You will probably be able to go home right away.
  • You can go back to your usual activities right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.