Liver Tests
Blood Tests:
  • Liver functio panel: A liver function panel checks how well the liver is working and consists of many different blood tests.
  • ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) : An elevated ALT helps identify liver disease or damage from any number of causes, including hepatitis.
  • AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase): Along with an elevated ALT, the AST checks for liver damage.
  • Alkaline phosphatase: Alkaline phosphatase is present in bile-secreting cells in the liver; it's also in bones. High levels often mean bile flow out of the liver is blocked.
  • Bilirubin: High bilirubin levels suggest a problem with the liver.
  • Albumin: As part of total protein levels, albumin helps determine how well the liver is working.
  • Ammonia: Ammonia levels in the blood rise when the liver is not functioning properly.
  • Hepatitis A tests: If hepatitis A is suspected, the doctor will test liver function as well as antibodies to detect the hepatitis A virus.
  • Hepatitis B tests: Your doctor can test antibody levels to determine if you have been infected with the hepatitis B virus.
  • Hepatitis C tests: In addition to checking liver function, blood tests can determine if you have been infected with the hepatitis C virus.
  • Prothrobin Time (PT): A prothrombin time, or PT, is commonly done to see if someone is taking the correct dose of the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin). It also checks for blood clotting problems.
  • Partial Thromboplastin Time (PTT): A PTT is done to check for blood clotting problems.
Imaging Tests:
  • Ultrasound: An abdominal ultrasound can test for many liver conditions, including cancer, cirrhosis, or problems from gallstones.
  • CT scan (computed tomography): A CT scan of the abdomen gives detailed pictures of the liver and other abdominal organs.
  • Liver biopsy: A liver biopsy is most commonly done after another test, such as a blood test or ultrasound, indicates a possible liver problem.
  • Liver and spleen scan: This nuclear scan uses radioactive material to help diagnose a number of conditions, including abscesses, tumors, and other liver function problems.
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