What it means
Usually includes the liver enzymes alanine aminotransferaseAL-uh-neen uh-mee-noh-TRANS-fer-ayceAn enzyme found mostly in the liver, measured in the blood as a test of liver cell health.Full entry (ALT), aspartate aminotransferaseuh-SPAR-tayt uh-mee-noh-TRANS-fer-aysAn enzyme found mainly in the liver, heart and muscles, measured in the blood as part of liver function tests.Full entry (AST) and alkaline phosphataseAL-kuh-line FOS-fuh-taseAn enzyme made mostly in the liver and bones, measured with a blood test.Full entry (ALP), plus bilirubinbil-ih-ROO-binA yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down, which the liver clears into bile.Full entry , albumin and total protein. The enzymes rise when liver cells are injured or bile flow is blocked; albumin falls and clotting time rises when the liver cannot make enough proteins. The panel is used to diagnose liver disease and to watch for drug side effects.
For the nurse
Check results before and during treatment with drugs that can harm the liver, such as high-dose acetaminophen, statins and some antibiotics, and teach clients to limit alcohol.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | LFTs |
|---|---|
| Also written | liver function test, LFT, LFTs, liver panel, hepatic function panel |
Related terms
hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, most often caused by a virus.
bilirubin
A yellow pigment made when old red blood cells break down, which the liver clears into bile.
aspartate aminotransferase
An enzyme found mainly in the liver, heart and muscles, measured in the blood as part of liver function tests.
alanine aminotransferase
An enzyme found mostly in the liver, measured in the blood as a test of liver cell health.
alkaline phosphatase
An enzyme made mostly in the liver and bones, measured with a blood test.