What are liver function tests?

• A. A group of laboratory tests used to analyze liver performance
• B. Imaging studies of the liver
• C. Serology tests for hepatitis
• D. Tests of kidney function

Answer: (A)

Liver function tests are a group of blood tests that together assess how well the liver is working. They look at different aspects: enzymes like ALT and AST rise when liver cells are damaged (hepatocellular injury), alkaline phosphatase and GGT rise with problems in bile flow (cholestasis), bilirubin reflects the liver’s ability to conjugate and excrete waste, and proteins such as albumin and clotting factors (measured by INR) show how well the liver is providing its synthetic functions. Taken as a panel, these tests help distinguish types of liver problems and gauge overall liver performance. They are blood-based measurements, not imaging studies, and they are not specific tests for hepatitis infection or kidney function.