Liver function tests are done on a patient's serum or plasma sample, procured by phlebotomy, by a medical technologist. This clinical biochemistry laboratory blood analysis furnishes crucial data regarding the condition of the patient's liver. A hepatic function panel is a blood test wherein low or high levels may point to liver diseases or damage. This panel measures the blood levels of protein albumin, bilirubin and other enzymes. Functions of the Liver

• generating nearly 80% cholesterol
• maintaining correct quantity of glucose
• producing urea
• transforming glucose to glycogen
• producing some amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins
• producing substances that break down fats
• filtering alcohol from the blood
• storing vitamins and minerals

When these functions are affected by some liver problems, the following common symptoms may be seen:

• jaundice
• liver enlargement
• ascites
• cholestasis
• portal hypertension
• liver encephalopathy
• liver failure

Here's a list of the tests that study the function of the liver. Albumin Measurement Albumin is the major constituent of the total protein in the liver. The remnant is called globulin. Albumin must be present as 3.9 to 5.0 g/dL. In chronic diseases like "cirrhosis" or "nephrotic syndrome" the level is decreased. Poor nutrition or protein catabolism may cause "hypoalbuminemia". Aspartate Transaminase : AST This is also called "serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase" or "aspartate aminotransferase". This enzyme is related to liver parenchymal cells. It's level must be 10 to 34 IU/L. This level is raised if there is acute damage to it. Alanine Transaminase : ALT This is also called "serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase" or "alanine aminotransferase". This enzyme is present in liver cells (hepatocytes). It's level must be 8 to 37 IU/L. This level rises in case of acute damage like "viral hepatitis" or "paracetamol overdose". The ratio of AST to ALT is used to differentiate between the reasons of liver damage. Alkaline Phosphatase : ALP This is an enzyme that is present in the cells lining the biliary ducts of the liver. If the range is 44 to 147 IU/L, it is normal. This level rises in case of infiltrative diseases of the liver, intrahepatic cholestasis or large bile duct obstruction. Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase : GGT This is a more sensitive marker for cholestatic damage than ALP and is very specific to the liver. The standard range is 0 to 51 IU/L. Even very petty and sub-clinical levels of liver dysfunction can cause a rise in this range. Both acute and chronic alcohol toxicity raise GGT. The reason of an isolated elevation in ALP can be detected by GGT. Total Bilirubin : TBIL An increase in the total bilirubin can lead to jaundice.

• Hepatic problems are caused due to deficiencies in bilirubin metabolism due to "cirrhosis" or "viral hepatitis".
• Prehepatic problems are caused due to "hemolytic anemias" or "internal hemorrhage". There is an increased bilirubin production.
• Posthepatic problems are caused due to obstruction of the bile ducts. There is a deficiency in bilirubin excretion.

Direct Bilirubin

• When direct bilirubin is normal, then the unconjugated bilirubin may be problematic: viral hepatitis, cirrhosis or hemolysis may be present
• When direct bilirubin is elevated, then the excretion of bilirubin may be problematic: cancer or bile duct obstruction by gallstones may be present

Prothrombin Time Test: PTT Liver cell damage and bile flow obstruction both, affect proper blood clotting. The time taken by the blood to clot is measured by this test. Alpha-fetoprotein Test The fetal liver and testes generate this protein. It is a symptom of hepatitis or cancer. Mitochondrial Antibodies Test If such antibodies are present, they prove the existence of chronic active hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis or other autoimmune disorders. Other Tests

• Increased level of Lactate dehydrogenase possibly means liver damage
• Ability to produce glucose is the final function that is lost during exploding liver failure
• 5' nucleotidase is a substitute for GGT to confirm if an elevated ALP has a biliary or extra-biliary origin
• the International normalized ratio if increased indicates that the synthesis of vitamin-K dependent coagulation factors has been affected and the blood will take more time to clot. This is vital if the patient is to be operated.

These are the various tests which help determine the condition of the liver. As it is one of the most important organs in the human body, keeping it fit and fine is vital to maintain good health. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.