Liver Function Tests (LFT)
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Liver Function Test (LFT) is a bit of a misnomer given that most do not directly assess liver function per se. LFT is a panel of tests which is used to screen for liver disease, to aid in deciding on further liver related investigations and also to monitor liver disease.
Measuring protein and albumin can help in looking at the synthetic role of the liver (although changes in them may occur through many non-liver causes!).
Bilirubin looks at an excretory role of the liver and in particular the functioning of the biliary tree.
ALT is a marker of damage to liver cells. It is relatively specific for liver as compared to another enzyme called AST which is much more widely distributed in the body.
Alkaline phosphatase is a marker of cholestasis as levels rise if there is back pressure within the biliary tree.
GGT is also a marker of cholestasis, but high levels can be seen due to drugs and ethanol.
Remember to look at the LFT results in the light of the clinical scenario and other investigations. The pattern of changes in the LFTs is often the key to their interpretation.
Measuring protein and albumin can help in looking at the synthetic role of the liver (although changes in them may occur through many non-liver causes!).
Bilirubin looks at an excretory role of the liver and in particular the functioning of the biliary tree.
ALT is a marker of damage to liver cells. It is relatively specific for liver as compared to another enzyme called AST which is much more widely distributed in the body.
Alkaline phosphatase is a marker of cholestasis as levels rise if there is back pressure within the biliary tree.
GGT is also a marker of cholestasis, but high levels can be seen due to drugs and ethanol.
Remember to look at the LFT results in the light of the clinical scenario and other investigations. The pattern of changes in the LFTs is often the key to their interpretation.
Click on a button below to go to each part of the LFT
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