What should you know about tests to check liver function?

Liver panels may include ALT and AST, which can rise when liver cells are irritated or injured, and ALP and GGT, which can point toward bile-flow problems when interpreted with other results. Bilirubin is processed by the liver and may rise with liver disease or changes in bile flow. Albumin reflects a protein made by the liver, while clotting tests can provide information about the liver's ability to make clotting proteins. An abnormal result is a clue, not a diagnosis. Patterns, symptoms, medicines, alcohol use and previous results help determine the next step.

Tell the clinician about prescribed medicines, supplements, alcohol use, pregnancy and recent illness before testing. Do not stop a medicine unless instructed. Ask whether you should fast and whether the sample should be taken before a dose. If a result is abnormal, follow-up may include a repeat panel, examination, imaging or tests for viral hepatitis. Hepatitis A, B and C are different infections and require different assessment. Bring older reports when available so changes can be compared rather than judged in isolation.

Seek urgent medical help for yellow skin or eyes with severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, new confusion, unusual sleepiness, vomiting blood or black stools. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent itching, pale stools, dark urine, swelling of the abdomen or unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can have several causes, but they warrant assessment and should not wait for a routine result review.

Which liver markers are being checked and why? Could any of my medicines, supplements or alcohol use affect the result? Do I need fasting or repeat testing? Would tests for hepatitis or imaging be useful? What symptoms should prompt urgent help? When will we review the complete pattern rather than one value?