Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
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Glossary
Three tests are often used to detect liver disease by measuring the levels of enzymes, bilirubin and protein present in the blood. Common tests include:
Enzymes: Proteins which help cells do their work. If cells are injured enzymes are present in the blood at higher levels than normal.
Another test that provide an important indirect measure of liver function is the International Normalised Ratio (INR) which effectively measures the impact of vitamin K on the clotting tendency of blood. Liver disease can cause vitamin K deficiency.
Further information about liver function tests and other pathology can be found here:
Lab Tests Online
myDr Online
Enzymes: Proteins which help cells do their work. If cells are injured enzymes are present in the blood at higher levels than normal.
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT): Found mainly in the liver and useful for detecting hepatitis.
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALK Phos): This enzyme is produced in the bile ducts, intestine, kidneys, placenta and bones and is often increased with bile duct disease or bone disorders.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST): Found in a variety of tissues including the liver, heart and brain, and is released when any one of these tissues is damaged.
- Gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT): This enzyme is produced in the bile ducts and may be elevated due to any type of liver disease, or by some drugs, including alcohol.
- Total bilirubin which measures all the bilirubin in the blood
- Conjugated bilirubin which measures a form made in the liver
- Albumin measures the main protein made by the liver and tells how well the liver is making this protein. It can be reduced due to liver damage and kidney disease. Levels drop with cirrhosis.
- Globulin measures the levels of globulins which includes antibodies. This may be raised when liver cells are injured.
Another test that provide an important indirect measure of liver function is the International Normalised Ratio (INR) which effectively measures the impact of vitamin K on the clotting tendency of blood. Liver disease can cause vitamin K deficiency.
Further information about liver function tests and other pathology can be found here:
Lab Tests Online
myDr Online
Page Created: 28.03.2014
Page Reviewed: 04.09.2015
Page Reviewed: 04.09.2015