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The basic functions of the liver are tested by marking blood indicators - enzymes. Together with the determination of the concentration of bilirubin (the main pigment of bile), they constitute the so-called liver tests. What are the norms of individual indicators in liver tests?

Liver testsdetect chronic hepatitis caused by B and C viruses, fatty liver caused by obesity, fat metabolism disorders, diabetes or alcohol abuse, as well as liver damage with drugs (especially anti-inflammatory drugs and sex hormones).

Since most of us lead a lifestyle that damages the liver, this test should be done by every adult once a year.

Typicallaboratory test of the liverincludes the assessment of the activity of selected enzymes contained in the liver cells, which in the event of damage (not dying) are thrown outside, i.e. into the blood.

The two primary liver enzymes are alanine aminotransferase (ALAT, ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST, AST). Even slight damage to the liver cells increases their activity in the blood. It can even be stated that the greater the liver damage, the higher the activity of these enzymes in the blood sample taken.

Aminotransferases are enzymes found mainly in the liver and muscles, including the heart muscle. Physiologically, they are found inside cells, so an increase in their activity in the blood will be associated with damage to the cells in which they occur.

Very high values, reaching several thousand (the norm is below 40 U / l), usually indicate viral liver damage or damage after mushroom poisoning. Abnormal results may be associated with mechanical damage to this organ (jaundice), stones in the gallbladder or other forms of pressure on the bile ducts.

When are liver tests ordered?

The doctor orders the liver tests when the patient complains about:

  • general weakness, constant fatigue, loss of appetite, unreasonable weight loss, painful muscle spasms
  • digestive system disorders, e.g. flatulence, nausea, belching, vomiting, pain in the right area under the ribs, frequent diarrhea, discolored stools or a change in themconsistency, etc.
  • in men, the test may be justified by the loss of armpit and pubic hair, loss of libido, impotence and gynecomastia, i.e. enlargement of the mammary glands
  • in women, the reason for ordering the test may be menstrual disorders, loss of menstruation, infertility, skin ecchymosis, frequent bleeding from the nose and gums
  • yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes or itching of the skin

Preparation for the examination

Liver tests, or transaminase testing, are performed from a blood sample taken from a vein in the elbow flexion. We go to the test on an empty stomach, which means we do not eat for at least 12 hours before blood sampling. Nutrition is important for the proper assessment of liver function.

When there are urgent indications for hepatic tests, they are performed regardless of the diet.

If you eat a fat knuckle the day before the test, the tests will not show a true picture of the condition of the liver, and the ALT and AspAt results will be inflated. Drinking alcohol has a similar effect. An excessively fatty diet or alcohol abuse will always be reflected in the test results.

It is also better to give up coffee and chocolate, as they cause the bile ducts to shrink, which will also be visible in the test results.

Since the higher level of transaminases will persist for several days, therefore, when we have liver tests ordered, refrain from a heavy diet and drinking alcohol for at least a week before the test.

Liver tests - norms for individual indicators

  • ALAT (alanine aminotransferase), also known as GPT or ALT :

The standard for women is<35 U/l (j.m/l)Norma dla mężczyzn wynosi <45 U/l (j.m/l) Norma dla dzieci (1-15 rok życia) <25 U/l (j.m/l)

Values ​​higher than these may occur in chronic or acute hepatitis, mechanical jaundice or mononucleosis.

  • AST (aspartate aminotransferase), also known as GOT or AST :

The norm for women is 5-40 U / I (IU / l) The norm for men is - 19 U / l.

The level of this enzyme increases in cirrhosis, inflammation, mechanical jaundice and after heart attack.

  • Total Bilirubin

0.2 - 1.1 mg% (3.42 - 20.6 µmol / l)

Normal direct bilirubin (conjugated): 0.1-0.3 mg% (1.7-5.1 µmol / l) Normal indirect bilirubin (free, unconjugated): 0.2-0.7 mg % (3.4-12 µmol / l)

  • Alkaline (alkaline) phosphatase (FA, ALP, Falk, FAL)

Norm for newborns: 50-165 U / I (IU / l) Norm for children: 20-150 U / I (IU / l) Norm for adults: 20-70 U / l (IU / l)

  • GGT(Gamma-glutamyltransferase)

For women - 10-66 U / l (IU / l) For men - 18-100 U / l (IU / l)

  • GGTP (Gammaglutamyltranspeptidase)

The norm is 6 - 28 U / l Increasing the value of the enzyme may indicate, first of all, alcohol abuse or biliary obstruction.

  • LDH (lactate dehydrogenase)

Normal is 120 - 240 U / l Elevated levels may mean hepatitis, biliary tract disease, myocarditis, post-infarction or neoplastic disease.

  • ChE (cholinesterase)

Standard: 1900-3800 U / l

  • HBs antigen

Norm: negative result

  • HCV antibodies

Norm: negative result

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