Liver and GI Function lab tests
ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
enzyme released into bloodstream with liver cell injury
AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
indicates hepatocellular injury; elevation related to number of cells injured. Rises at 8 hours,
peaks at 24-36 hours, normal in 3-7 days.
GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase)
most sensitive for dectecting biliary obstruction or cholecystitis, also used to detect chronic
alcoholism
ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
increased in extra- and intrahepatic obstructive biliary disease, cirrhosis, liver, metastasis, and
bone growth
Ammonia
Seen in fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated when blood bypasses
liver or when liver cant metabolize it to urea.
Bilirubin
byproduct of RBC lysis from hemoglobin heme formation; unconjugated from is lipid soluble,
conjugated from is water soluble and excreted in urine
Urobilinogen
Formed when intestinal bacteria transform bilirubin in the bowel
ALT (alanine aminotransferase)
enzyme released into bloodstream with liver cell injury
AST (aspartate aminotransferase)
indicates hepatocellular injury; elevation related to number of cells injured. Rises at 8 hours,
peaks at 24-36 hours, normal in 3-7 days.
GGT (gamma glutamyl transferase)
most sensitive for dectecting biliary obstruction or cholecystitis, also used to detect chronic
alcoholism
ALP (alkaline phosphatase)
increased in extra- and intrahepatic obstructive biliary disease, cirrhosis, liver, metastasis, and
bone growth
Ammonia
Seen in fulminant hepatitis, cirrhosis, or hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated when blood bypasses
liver or when liver cant metabolize it to urea.
Bilirubin
byproduct of RBC lysis from hemoglobin heme formation; unconjugated from is lipid soluble,
conjugated from is water soluble and excreted in urine
Urobilinogen
Formed when intestinal bacteria transform bilirubin in the bowel
