Liver Function Test Panel

About this test

This panel checks eleven markers — enzymes, proteins, and bilirubin — that give a detailed picture of liver health and function. It's appropriate for anyone with risk factors for liver disease (such as alcohol use, obesity, viral hepatitis, or fatty liver disease), people taking medications that can affect the liver, or anyone with symptoms such as abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or unexplained fatigue.

Components

• ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase): The most liver-specific of the enzymes. Elevated ALT is a sensitive sign that liver cells are irritated or damaged. Common causes include non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol, viral hepatitis, and certain medications.
• AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Also found in the heart and muscles. An AST/ALT ratio greater than 2:1 can suggest alcohol-related liver disease; both rising together suggest liver cell injury.
• ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase): Found in liver, bone, and bile ducts. Elevated ALP often points to bile duct obstruction or bone conditions. Interpretation depends on the clinical context and whether other liver enzymes are also elevated.
• GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase): A sensitive marker for alcohol-related liver damage and bile duct problems. Often elevated by alcohol use even when other liver tests are normal.
• Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, and Indirect Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a breakdown product of red blood cells processed by the liver. Elevated bilirubin causes jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes). The type of elevation (direct vs. indirect) helps identify whether the problem is in bile processing, liver cell function, or red blood cell breakdown.
• Total Protein, Albumin, and Globulin: Protein markers that reflect the liver's synthetic function. Low albumin can indicate the liver is not making enough protein, which happens in advanced liver disease or malnutrition.

Who is this test for?

Liver testing is commonly recommended for people who use alcohol regularly, take medications that are processed by the liver (such as statins, methotrexate, or certain antibiotics), or have risk factors for viral hepatitis. It is also appropriate for anyone experiencing symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, upper right abdominal pain, unexplained nausea, or persistent fatigue. Routine monitoring is suggested for people diagnosed with fatty liver disease, hepatitis B or C, or cirrhosis.