Liver blood tests

Serum Alkaline Phosphatase - Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase, an enzyme found in the bile, usually indicate an obstruction of bile flow, liver injury, or certain cancers.

Serum Aminotransferases (transaminases, SGOT, SGPT) - These enzymes are released from damaged liver cells. They include ALT (SGPT) and AST (SGOT). They (especially ALT) are elevated in hepatitis.

Prothrombin Time (PT) - This test measures the time it takes for blood to clot. Blood clotting requires vitamin K and a protein (prothrombin) made by the liver. Liver cell damage and bile flow obstruction can both interfere with proper blood clotting.

Gamma-glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT) - This enzyme is released into the blood when the liver is damaged especially by alcohol or in bile obstruction.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) - This protein is produced by the fetal liver and testes, indicating hepatitis or cancer.

Mitochondrial Antibodies (AMA) - The presence of these antibodies can indicate primary biliary cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and certain other autoimmune disorders.

Virus tests

- HAV IgM, HEV IgM - these detect active infection by Hepatitis A or E virus
- HCV-Ab - this detects evidence of infection by HCV virus
- HCVRNA - this detects the actual presence of HCV virus
- HBsAg, HBeAg, HBV DNA - these detect infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV)
- Anti-HBs - the evidence of good immunity to HBV infection

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