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What is a liver function test?

2026-05-20 23:35:22

liver function testIt is a medical method that evaluates the health of the liver through blood testing. It is mainly used to diagnose diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and fatty liver, or to monitor the impact of drugs on the liver. Inspection items includeAminotransferase (ALT/AST),Bilirubin,Albuminand other indicators, by analyzing these data to determine whether the metabolism, detoxification and synthesis functions of the liver are normal. The examination must be performed on an empty stomach, and the results must be interpreted comprehensively in conjunction with clinical symptoms.

The core items of liver function tests can be divided into three categories:Hepatocellular damage indicators(such as ALT, AST),cholestasis index(such as alkaline phosphatase ALP, gamma-glutamyl transferase GGT) andLiver synthetic function indicators(such as albumin, prothrombin time). Elevated ALT and AST often indicate liver cell inflammation or necrosis, while abnormal bilirubin may reflect biliary obstruction or hemolysis. The following are common indicator reference ranges:

Projectnormal rangeclinical significance
ALT7-40U/LSignificantly increased in acute hepatitis
AST13-35U/LAlso associated with heart muscle or muscle damage
total bilirubin3.4-20.5 μmol/LToo high may cause jaundice

Applicable scenarios for liver function tests includechronic drinker,hepatitis virus carriers,Taking hepatotoxic drugs (such as anti-tuberculosis drugs)crowd. For example, patients with hepatitis B need to regularly monitor ALT and AST to assess disease progression. You need to avoid drinking alcohol and strenuous exercise before the examination. Certain drugs (such as antibiotics) may interfere with the results, so you need to inform your doctor in advance.

What is a liver function test?

If the test results are abnormal, further combination is requiredImaging (B-ultrasound, CT)orVirology testing (e.g. hepatitis B two and a half)Identify the cause. For example, a mild elevation of ALT may be caused by fatty liver, while a significant elevation accompanied by abnormal bilirubin should alert to acute hepatitis. Some hospitals provide rapid liver function testing services, with results available in 30 minutes, but a comprehensive assessment still requires analysis by a professional doctor.

In short, liver function tests are an important tool for liver disease screening and follow-up, but please note:An abnormality in a single indicator may not necessarily represent a disease, need to combine multiple indicators and clinical manifestations. It is recommended that high-risk groups should be examined once a year, and the general population should include this item in their physical examinations. Common testing equipment manufacturers include Roche and Siemens, and reagent brands such as Kehua Biotech and Mindray Medical.

Quote sources:1. "Clinical Hepatology" (People's Medical Publishing House) 2. World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis 3. Roche Diagnostic Liver Function Test Reagents Instructions

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