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How Do I Interpret My Liver Function Test Results?
A person’s liver function test results can indicate the health of the liver and help doctors detect liver damage or disease. Liver function tests measure the level of certain enzymes and proteins in the blood. Some liver function tests indicate damage if they are higher than normal, while other test results will show a lower than normal level if there is damage to the liver. These tests can also help a doctor monitor the side effects of medications that affect the liver. Diseases like cirrhosis or hepatitis can affect liver function test results.
Alanine transaminase (ALT) is a liver function test that measures the levels of an enzyme found in the liver. If the liver is damaged or diseased, this enzyme is released, increasing the level of the enzyme in the blood. Normal liver function test results for ALT fall between 7 and 55 units per liter (U/L).
Similar to ALT, the aspartate transaminase (AST) liver test measures another type of enzyme found in the liver. The levels of this enzyme are increased if there is damage to the liver, or if a person is suffering from liver disease. Normal AST liver function results are 8 to 48 U/L. Higher results on this test indicate liver problems.
Another liver function test that measures enzymes is the alkaline phosphatase test (ALP). Levels of ALP are elevated in the case of liver disease or dysfunction. Normally, ALP levels are 45 to 115 U/L, and if these or other liver function test results are abnormal, a person should consult a physician.
In addition to enzymes, liver function tests can also measure proteins. Albumin tests measure a type of protein made by the liver to help the body function correctly. If this test result is lower than usual, it may indicate liver damage or disease. Normal albumin test levels are 3.5 to 5 grams per deciliter (g/dL).
Total protein is another liver test that measures proteins produced by the liver. Normally, the total protein levels should be between 6.3 and 7.9 g/dL. If these levels are low, it may indicate problems with the liver.
A bilirubin test is another liver function assessment that measures the amount of bilirubin in either the blood or urine. Bilirubin is a type of chemical left behind when red blood cells break down. In a healthy body, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted. High levels of bilirubin can indicate liver damage or disease. Normal levels of bilirubin are between 0.1 and 1 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
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![Liver function tests help physicians detect liver damage.]()
By: CLIPAREA.comLiver function tests help physicians detect liver damage. -
![A doctor can offer consultation on liver function test results.]()
By: ShakzuA doctor can offer consultation on liver function test results. -
![Because the liver filters toxins and waste from the blood, if the organ fails to work properly a person can become seriously ill.]()
By: pixdesign123Because the liver filters toxins and waste from the blood, if the organ fails to work properly a person can become seriously ill. -
![Individuals who are overweight have a greater risk of developing liver disease.]()
By: konami11Individuals who are overweight have a greater risk of developing liver disease. -
![Liver disease may interfere with blood clotting and cause nosebleeds.]()
By: ia_64Liver disease may interfere with blood clotting and cause nosebleeds. -
![A poorly-functioning liver may be unable to properly make blood, necessitating a blood transfusion.]()
By: Max TacticA poorly-functioning liver may be unable to properly make blood, necessitating a blood transfusion. -
![If the liver is damaged or diseased, liver enzymes will increase in the blood.]()
By: Von SchonertagenIf the liver is damaged or diseased, liver enzymes will increase in the blood.
Discussion Comments
@Pippinwhite -- You're right. I see on all these forums where people post their blood work numbers and want to know what they mean, and what they can eat or drink to change the numbers, when they really don't know what normal looks like in the first place, or if they have a condition that might alter what "normal looks like for them.
Being proactive about your health is a good thing. It's a good way to make sure you're doing what you need to do to be healthy. But trying to interpret your own blood work results is never a good idea, unless you're a doctor and know what you're looking at.
Most of the time, people have blood work done, then they go to the doctor to get the results interpreted for them. Nearly every copy of my blood work that I've ever had also included normal ranges for every test, so if I looked up the test online, I would know what it was for. But still, the best way to know what's going on with any blood work is to talk to the doctor. They know how to look at the results in context with everything else going on with your body.
It's kind of silly to give people blood work results and not have them see a doctor to follow up and go over the results, in my opinion.
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