Interpretation of Liver Enzyme Tests

When do you need a liver enzyme test?

If you have a specific disease like hepatitis, your doctor will likely recommend the test regularly alongside your standard treatments. However, if you observe the following symptoms, you should definitely visit a doctor and ask for a complete blood test, which should also include liver enzyme testing:

• Dark urine

• Very light-colored stool

• Loss of appetite

• Swelling in the abdomen

• Nausea and vomiting

• Extreme weakness and fatigue

• Yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin

The test will indicate the state of your health—whether you need medication or if it can be resolved with a suitable diet.

People who should definitely have a liver enzyme test:

Some people should always be under medical supervision and undergo liver enzyme testing every three to six months:

• Alcohol addiction

• Family history of liver disease

• Severe obesity

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Use of certain medications that are typically mentioned in the accompanying leaflet, such as Depakine, which requires a liver enzyme test every six months. Therefore, if you take any specific medication, try to get a liver enzyme test every six months.

Types of liver enzyme tests:

There are various liver enzyme tests, but due to their specific terminology, they are not commonly known except by medical professionals. Below, we explain each one to help you understand your test results when the doctor discusses them:

• Alanine Transaminase (ALT): This enzyme helps break down proteins and is mostly found in the liver. If ALT is elevated in your blood, it suggests liver damage.

• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): This enzyme reflects liver health, bone health, and bile ducts. High levels in the blood may indicate liver damage due to conditions like blocked bile ducts or bone issues.

• Albumin and Total Protein: This test shows the levels of two essential liver proteins, albumin and globulin. A decrease in these proteins indicates liver damage or disease.

• Aspartate Transaminase (AST): This liver enzyme, when elevated in the blood, indicates liver disease or damage.

• Bilirubin: This enzyme appears in the blood when red blood cells break down. If levels are high, it indicates jaundice.

• Gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT): High levels of GGT in the blood indicate liver damage and issues with the bile ducts.

• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LD): Elevated LD also points to liver damage.

• Prothrombin Time (PT): This test measures how long it takes for your blood to clot. It is often done before surgery, as delayed clotting can prevent surgery.

How to prepare for a liver enzyme test:

Since some medications and foods can affect the test results, your doctor will give specific instructions, likely asking you to avoid certain foods or medications for 10 to 12 hours before the test.

If you take any specific medications, including chemical, herbal, or supplements like vitamins or omega-3, make sure to inform your doctor about them.

How often should you get the test?

A good liver enzyme test is often conducted over several days or weeks to monitor health. Your doctor might recommend the test every day or week to assess your health condition or illness. This blood test can reveal a lot about your health.

What do the test results mean?

Liver enzyme testing is one of the best ways to assess the state of your body. When you request a complete blood test that includes liver enzymes, even small changes in your body will be noticed. The test will reveal whether you are in perfect health, or help your doctor identify the disease, its stage, and the appropriate treatment plan. Results may vary by time of day, age, gender, and laboratory, but there are specific reference ranges (maximum and minimum health values) listed on the test report, which both you and your doctor can easily interpret.