Liver Function Tests: The Crucial Role in Diagnosing Liver Disease

Liver function tests (LFTs) are a set of blood tests used to examine the health and functioning of your liver. These tests measure levels of various enzymes, proteins, and substances that indicate how well your liver works. Standard tests include ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), bilirubin, and albumin.Elevated levels of ALT and AST can signal liver damage, while high ALP levels may indicate a bile duct obstruction. Bilirubin, a waste product, helps determine if the liver is appropriately processing red blood cells. Abnormal results may suggest liver conditions, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or liver cancer.Join the PACE Hospitals Podcast with Dr Govind Verma - Interventional Gastroenterologist, Transplant Hepatologist and Endosonologist at PACE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, India, to understand the purpose of liver function tests, their key parameters, the role of bilirubin, and the potential causes of abnormal liver function.