Liver Function

The Liver Function tests are designed to give information about the state of a patient's liver. Most liver diseases have only mild symptoms initially, but it is vital that these diseases be detected early. These tests can be used to detect different types of diseases, including heart failure, liver tumors, viral hepatitis, fatty liver, and various liver disorders. It can also help determine the extent of known liver damage, as well as help determine the correct treatment.

Alanine transaminase (ALT), also called Serum Glutamic Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT) or Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), is an enzyme present in liver cells. When a cell is damaged, it leaks this enzyme into the blood. ALT rises dramatically in acute liver damage caused by such things as viral hepatitis or acetaminophen overdose.

Aspartate transaminase (AST), also called Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) or Aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), is another enzyme associated with liver cells, and rises in acute liver damage. The ratio of AST to ALT is sometimes useful in diagnosing the cause of liver damage. AST has also been used as a cardiac marker.