What are liver function tests?
Liver function tests (also known as a liver panel) are blood tests that measure different enzymes, proteins, and other substances made by the liver. These tests check the overall health of your liver. The different substances are often tested at the same time on a single blood sample, and may include the following:
Albumin, a protein made in the liver
Total protein. This test measures the total amount of protein in the blood.
ALP (alkaline phosphatase), ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT). These are different enzymes made by the liver.
Bilirubin, a waste product made by the liver.
Lactate dehydrogenase (LD), an enzyme found in most of the body's cells. LD is released into the blood when cells have been damaged by disease or injury.
Prothrombin time (PT), a protein involved in blood clotting.
If levels of one or more of these substances are outside of the normal range, it may be a sign of liver disease.
Other names: liver panel, liver function panel, liver profile hepatic function panel, LFT
