There are a number of different tests for liver function. Each has its own name, as listed in the section below.
Liver function tests are ordered to see if the person's liver is healthy and functioning properly.
Blood for the test is usually taken from a person's forearm. First, a tight band is put on the upper arm to make the veins swell below it. An area of skin on the forearm over the vein chosen is cleansed.
A needle is inserted into the vein and a sample of blood is collected in a tube.
The laboratory then measures the amount of the appropriate marker in the blood: albumin, a protein synthesized by the liverALP, an enzyme found in the liver, bones and placentaALT (SGPT), an enzyme found primarily in liver cellsAST (SGOT), an enzyme found in the liver as well as many other body organsserum bilirubin, a waste product formed by the breakdown of red blood cellsurine bilirubin GGT, an enzyme present in the liver, pancreas and kidneyLDH, an enzyme found in the liver and many other body cells PT or prothrombin time, which tests the blood's ability to clottotal cholesterol, a substance stored in the livertotal protein, a nutrient normally broken down by the liver and its enzymes
Specific instructions should be requested from the healthcare professional.
The significance of each test is described in the article specific to that test.
