Liver function tests
Definition
Liver function tests are common blood tests that are used to see how well the liver is working. Tests include:
- Albumin
- Alpha-1 antitrypsin
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
- Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)
- Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)
- 5' nucleotidase
- Prothrombin time, also expressed as international normalized ratio (INR)
- Serum bilirubin
- Urine bilirubin
References
Daniels L, Khalili M, Goldstein E, Bluth MH, Bowne WB, Pincus MR. Evaluation of liver function. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 22.
Korenblat KM. Approach to the patient with jaundice or abnormal liver tests. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 133.
Pratt DS. Liver chemistry and function tests. In: Chung RT, Rubin DT, Wilcox CM, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 75.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 7/23/2024
Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.