Liver function tests include seven standard measurements.
This page mentions general information on the tests, and also names some of the particular enzymes that may be checked.
The information on this page is not put together by a medical professional, and as such is not professional advice, nor should it be used in place of that.
If you are considering taking a liver function test, please discuss with a doctor or other qualified individual.
Results from such measurements should also be interpreted by someone who is qualified and has the proper tools, as well as other information such as medical history, to attempt to understand what they may mean.
A common abbreviation for this term is LFT (or LFTs).
Additionally, these tests can be known as a liver function series, or otherwise as a liver panel.
The measurements are taken from a blood sample.
Since many liver conditions do not initially show symptoms, or may only display mild symptoms, it may at times be possible to detect a medical problem using LFTs, while the issue may have gone undiagnosed had only symptoms been considered.
Early detection can be important in some liver diseases, so this may prove useful in some circumstances.
In addition to this, a liver panel can be used for other means, such as to follow how a patient responds to treatment that is being administered.
In the tests, enzymes are measured for elevated or decreased levels.
The seven commonly checked enzymes include: Alanine transaminase (ALT) Albumin (Alb) Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) Aspartate transaminase (AST) Direct bilirubin (DBIL) Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) Total bilirubin (TBIL)