Liver Blood Tests: Liver blood tests are used to check the levels and function of liver enzymes in the blood called AST and ALT or aminotransferases in the blood. Symptoms of elevated or high liver enzymes in the blood include fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, itching, and nausea.
Normal levels of liver enzymes in blood are caused by liver diseases caused by drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain medications, and statins. Less common causes of abnormal levels of ALT or AST levels in the blood are alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases (NASH), hepatitis, and alcoholism.
Normal levels of ALT ranges from about 7-56 units/liter, and 10-40 units/liters for AST. Elevated (high) and low liver enzymes elevated levels of AST and ALT may signify the level of liver damage the person has. A blood sample is sent to the laboratory for measurement. Usually, you doctor will have the results interpreted within a few hours to days.
Liver blood tests are used to check normal, elevated (high), and low blood levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT or aminotransferases). Symptoms of elevated levels of liver enzymes are fever, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and nausea. Drugs, for example, acetaminophen (Tylenol), pain drugs, and statins caused high levels of liver enzymes. Less common causes are NASH, hepatitis, and alcoholism.
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Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide - Visuals
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Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
AtorvastatinAtorvastatin is used together with diet to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL), to increase levels of "good" cholestero...learn more »
DiclofenacDiclofenac is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is used to treat mild to moderate pain, or signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis...learn more »
FosinoprilFosinopril is an ACE inhibitor. ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme...learn more »
Aspirin (oral)Aspirin is a salicylate (sa-LIS-il-ate) that is used to treat pain, and reduce fever or inflammation.
learn more »
Carbamazepine (oral)Carbamazepine is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat seizures and nerve pain such as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetic neuropathy. Carbamazepine is also ...learn more »
Acetaminophen (oral/rectal)Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and a fever reducer. There are many brands and forms of acetaminophen available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet...learn more »
Liver Blood Tests Topic Guide – Related Topics
Related Topics:
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Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, and the condition has two types, chronic and acute. Learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment.learn more »
Statins and Cholesterol
Statins are a class of drug prescribed for reducing blood cholesterol levels in individuals with high cholesterol. Examples of statins available include ator...learn more »