LFTs

Question 1

What is AST?

Answer 1

Enzyme found in liver cells

Liver damage - this is high (not as specific to liver problems)

Question 2

What is ALP?

Answer 2

In liver cells, next to the bile ducts

In bone

Question 3

What is albumin?

Answer 3

Main protein made by the liver

Often low in certain liver diseases

Question 4

What is bilirubin?

Answer 4

It is made from haemoglobin
Liver cells take it in and attach sugars to it (conjugated)
High - jaundiced

Question 5

WHat does raised conjugated bilirubin mean?

Answer 5

Particularly high if the flow of bile is blocked, gallstones etc or pancreatic tumour
Can also be raised with hepatitis, injury, alcoholism

Question 6

What does a high level of unconjuhated bilirubin mean?

Answer 6

Excessive breakdown of red blood cells - e.g. In haemolytic anemia

Question 7

What is gamma GT

L

Answer 7

High level - a lot of alcohol is being drank

As this enzyme is involved with breaking down alcohol and clearing it from the body

Question 8

What is ALT?

Answer 8

An enzyme that helps to process proteins

This rises when the liver is injured or inflamed