De'Liver' Tests

What is the leading cause of liver disease in India?

Hepatitis Eh?

Ha! Don't blame me for that pun, I'm raising a 11 year old who enjoys puns. Anyway, this post is a quick reminder to maybe get our lab work done for Liver Function. These 8 tests are generally part of a routine liver function test and I'll explain in simple layman terms what these tests are.

1. Bilirubin - Total

Bilirubin is produced when red blood cells breakdown to hemoglobin. It passes through two phases. In phase one (indirect or unconjugated bilirubin), bilirubin binds to albumin (protein) which carries it from the blood into the liver. In phase two (direct or conjugated bilirubin), the liver attaches sugar molecules to the indirect bilirubin, making it water-soluble. Total bilirubin is the sum of direct and indirect bilirubin levels.

2. Bilirubin - Direct

Typically bilirubin is rapidly moved into the bile and therefore direct levels are low. A high number indicates liver damage. Gallstones can also increase direct bilirubin levels.

3. Bilirubin - Indirect

Indirect bilirubin increases in conditions such as fatty liver or in liver diseases that are associated with increased red blood cell destruction.

4. Albumin-serum

Albumin accounts for 50 to 60% of all the protein in the blood. The liver makes albumin, which circulates throughout the body in blood, and a very small amount may pass through healthy kidneys into urine. Albumin the main antioxidant and binds hormones, vitamins, drugs, fatty acids, minerals, carries them throughout the body, and delivers them to body tissues. Low albumin levels are a symptom and the underlying cause needs to be addressed.

5. Gamma GT

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is a cell surface enzyme, located throughout the human body with the highest levels being in the kidneys, intestines, liver, prostate gland, and gallbladder. Smaller amounts are found in the pancreas, lungs, testis, and thyroid gland. The liver produces most of the GGT in the blood. Levels of GGT indicate liver disease and damage due to alcohol consumption or smoking.

6. SGOT(AST)

Aspartate aminotransferase or AST (also called SGOT) is an enzyme that breaks down proteins for energy. It is found mainly in the liver and heart, but also in many other tissues, including the muscles, red blood cells, kidneys, and the brain.High levels indicate liver damage

7. SGPT(ALT)

Alanine aminotransferase or ALT (also called SGPT) is also an enzyme that breaks down proteins into energy. Healthy liver cells store most of ALT, but small amounts are also found in the kidneys, heart, muscles, fat tissue, intestines, and pancreas High ALT levels often signal a problem with the liver typically due to alcohol abuse, fatty liver, hypothyroidism etc. Used in conjunction with AST levels & other symptoms.

8. Alkaline phosphatase

Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme that is concentrated in the liver, kidneys, gut, and bones and helps digest food and maintain strong bones. High levels may point to problems with these organs. Magnesium, zinc, and protein deficiency are causes for low alkaline phosphatase.