Which blood test is used to assess liver function and damage?

The use of liver function tests (LFTs) is critical in assessing both the functionality and integrity of the liver. LFTs typically include a panel of tests that measure levels of various enzymes, proteins, and substances that indicate how well the liver is performing its duties and whether there is any damage present.

Key components of LFTs include measurements of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are enzymes that can rise when liver cells are damaged. Elevations in these enzymes suggest liver inflammation or injury. Additionally, tests for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin help evaluate the liver’s ability to excrete substances and its overall health. The presence of low levels of albumin and prolonged prothrombin time may indicate chronic liver disease and dysfunction.

In contrast, the other tests listed do not specifically evaluate liver function or damage. A complete blood count (CBC) primarily assesses overall health status and can detect conditions such as anemia or infection, but it does not provide direct information about liver function. Renal function tests focus on assessing kidney health, measuring creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to evaluate kidney efficiency rather than liver function. A coagulation