Interpretation of Liver Function Tests

Question 1

When ate liver function tests indicated? (3)

Answer 1

1. as a baseline before starting medication
2. to confirm clinical suspicion of liver injury/disease
3. to distinguish between hepatocellular injury and cholestasis

Question 2

1. Where is ALT found in high concentrations?
2. What does high ALT ususally indicate?
3. Where is ALP found in high concentrations?
4. What does high ALP usually indicate?

Answer 2

1. hepatocytes
2. hepatocellular injury
3. liver, bile duct and bone
4. cholestasis

Question 3

1. What does an increase in ALT > increase in ALP indicate?

2. What does an increase in ALT < increase in ALP indicate?

Answer 3

1. hepatocellular injury

2. cholestasis

Question 4

1. What is a raised GGT usually suggestive of?
2. What does raised GGT in the context of high ALP suggest?
3. What does a raised ALP in the context of a normal GGT normally indicate?

Answer 4

1. alcohol related liver pathology
2. cholestasis
3. non-hepatobiliary pathology

Question 5

Name the three tests that assess the liver’s synthetic function

Answer 5

1. bilirubin (liver involved in conjugation of bilirubin)
2. albumin
3. prothrombin time

Question 6

1. What des ALT > AST indicate?

2. What does ALT < AST indicate?

Answer 6

1. chronic liver disease

2. cirrhosis and acute alcoholic hepatitis