Liver
Liver enzymes, bilirubin and the proteins your liver makes.
21 tests explained
Most common tests
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)An enzyme made mostly in liver cells. It leaks into the blood when liver cells are irritated or damaged.
- AlbuminThe main protein in blood plasma. Made by the liver, it keeps fluid inside your blood vessels and carries many substances.
- Albumin/Globulin (A/G) RatioA calculated comparison of two groups of blood proteins, albumin and globulins. It is one clue about the liver, kidneys and immune system.
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)An enzyme made mostly in your liver, bile ducts and bones. Its blood level gives clues about those tissues.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)An enzyme found mainly in the liver, and also in muscle and heart. Raised blood levels can be a sign of damage to those cells.
- Bilirubin, TotalA yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down. Your liver clears it, so the level reflects red cell turnover and bile flow.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)A liver and bile duct enzyme. A higher level can be linked to alcohol, some medicines, fatty liver or bile duct problems.
- Globulin, TotalThe proteins in your blood other than albumin, including antibodies. Most reports calculate it as total protein minus albumin.
- Protein, TotalThe total amount of protein in your blood, mainly albumin and globulin. It is read together with albumin and your liver and kidney tests.
Common follow-up tests
- Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (AAT) LevelA protein made by the liver that helps protect the lungs. A low level can be a first clue to alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, an inherited condition.
- AmmoniaA waste product made when the body breaks down protein, normally cleared by the liver. The test shows whether ammonia is building up in the blood.
- Bile Acids, Total (fasting)Bile acids are made by the liver to digest fat. Their level in a fasting blood sample can rise when bile isn't flowing out of the liver normally.
- Bilirubin, DirectThe part of bilirubin your liver has already processed. A raised level can be a sign that bile isn't draining from the liver as usual.
- Bilirubin, IndirectThe part of bilirubin that has not yet been processed by the liver. It is worked out by subtracting direct bilirubin from total bilirubin.
- CeruloplasminA copper-carrying protein made by the liver. The level is mainly used, together with other tests, to look into Wilson disease and other copper problems.
- Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF) ScoreA blood score made from three proteins linked to liver scarring. It helps estimate the risk of advanced scarring and of liver problems getting worse.
- FIB-4 IndexA score worked out from your age, AST, ALT and platelet count. It helps estimate the chance of advanced scarring (fibrosis) in the liver.
- FibroSure Fibrosis ScoreA 0 to 1 score from blood tests that estimates how much scarring (fibrosis) the liver has, without a biopsy. FibroSure is Labcorp's brand name for it.
- FibroSure Fibrosis Stage (METAVIR F0-F4)The liver scarring stage, from F0 (none) to F4 (cirrhosis), estimated from the FibroSure blood score. It is not a biopsy result.
- Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH)An enzyme found in almost every tissue. A higher level can be a general sign of cell or tissue damage, and it does not point to one condition.
- Prealbumin (Transthyretin)A protein made by the liver that carries thyroid hormone and a vitamin A complex. It falls with inflammation, so it is a weak guide to nutrition on its own.