Liver Function Profile

The alanine aminotransferase test, also known as ALT, is one of a group of tests known as liver function tests (or LFTs) and is used to monitor damage to the liver. The alanine aminotransferase test (ALT) can reveal liver damage. It is probably the most specific test for liver damage. However, the severity of the liver damage is not necessarily shown by the ALT test, since the amount of dead liver tissue does not correspond to higher ALT levels. Also, patients with normal, or declining, ALT levels may experience serious liver damage without an increase in ALT. Nevertheless, ALT is widely used, and useful, because ALT levels are elevated in most patients with liver disease. Although ALT levels do not necessarily indicate the severity of the damage to the liver, they may indicate how much of the liver has been damaged. ALT levels, when compared to the levels of a similar enzyme, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), may provide important clues to the nature of the liver disease. It is a part of Liver Function Test. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.

Alanine Transaminase (SGPT)

Epilepsy,Bipolar disorder,Drug level monitoring

Tremors,Weight gain,Nausea,Hair loss

This test measures the level of aspartate aminotransferase in blood. AST is widely distributed with high concentrations in the heart, liver, skeletal muscle, kidney and erythrocytes. Damage or disease to any of these tissues such as myocardial infarction, viral hepatitis, liver necrosis, cirrhosis and muscular dystrophy may result in raised levels of AST. Although elevated serum AST is not specific for liver disease, it is used primarily to diagnose and monitor the course of liver disease (in combination with other enzymes such as ALT, ALP, and bilirubin). It has also been used to monitor patients with heart attacks, but it is much less specific than CPK isoenzyme and LDH isoenzyme for this purpose. It is a part of Liver Function Test. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (SGOT )

Hyperthyroidism,Hypothyroidism,Thyroid disorders

Weight changes,Palpitations,Fatigue

A bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin in a blood sample. Bilirubin is a brownish yellow substance found in bile. It is produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells. Bilirubin is then removed from the body through the stool (feces) and gives stool its normal color. Increased production or decreased excretion of Bilirubin results in Jaundice. The sum of Bilirubin-Direct and Bilirubin-Indirect equals total bilirubin (BRT), which is usually measured as part of a routine chemistry profile and in liver profiles.

Bilirubin - Total

Orthodontic assessment,Jaw deformities

Facial asymmetry,Malocclusion

This test measures the amount of alkaline phosphatase in blood. Alkaline phosphatase is an enzyme found throughout the body. Like all enzymes, it is needed, in small amounts, to trigger specific chemical reactions. When it is present in large amounts, it may signify bone or liver disease or a tumor. Growing bones need alkaline phosphatase. Any condition of bone growth will cause alkaline phosphatase levels to rise. It rises in diseases, such a bone cancer, Paget's disease, or rickets. Some tumors, however, start production of the same kind of alkaline phosphatase produced by the placenta. These tumors are called germ cell tumors and include testicular cancer and certain brain tumors. It is a part of Liver Function Test. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.

Alkaline Phosphatase

PCOS,Adrenal tumors,Androgen excess

Excess hair growth,Irregular periods,Acne

A Bilirubin- Direct test measures the amount of bilirubin -direct in a blood sample. Direct bilirubin dissolves in water (it is soluble) and is made by the liver from indirect bilirubin. Bilirubin- Direct is increased in biliary obstruction.

Bilirubin -Direct

Orthodontic planning,Skeletal abnormalities

Bite issues,Facial profile concerns

The gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) test may be used to determine the cause of elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Both ALP and GGT are elevated in disease of the bile ducts and in some liver diseases, but only ALP will be elevated in bone disease. GGT is more responsive to biliary obstruction than are aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ (SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) /(SGPT).GGT discriminates the source of elevated ALP. It is utilized as a supplementary test to be sure that the elevation of ALP is indeed coming from the liver or biliary tract. In contrast to the ALP, GGT is not elevated in diseases of bone, placenta or intestine.GGT is markedly increased in lesions that cause intrahepatic or extrahepatic obstruction of bile ducts. GGT can be used to screen for chronic alcohol abuse (it will be elevated in about 75% of chronic drinkers) and to monitor for alcohol use and/or abuse in people who are receiving treatment for alcoholism or alcoholic hepatitis.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase

Liver Disease,Bile duct Obstruction

Abdominal pain, swelling in legs, Dark urine color, eyes and skin appears yellow, nausea, fatique, diarrhea, clubbed fingers.

The total protein test measures the total amount of proteins found in the fluid portion of your blood.  Protein is the major source of building material for muscles, blood, skin, hair, nails, and the internal organs. It is necessary for the formation of many hormones, enzymes, and antibodies and may act as a source of energy. Rich dietary sources are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese, which are classified as complete proteins because they contain the nine essential amino acids. Nuts and legumes, including navy beans, chickpeas, soybeans, and split peas, are also good sources but are incomplete proteins because they do not contain all the essential amino acids in adequate amounts. Proteins are necessary for your body’s growth, development, and health. Blood contains two classes of protein, albumin and globulin. Albumin proteins keep fluid from leaking out of blood vessels. Globulin proteins play an important role in your immune system. This test is often done to diagnose nutritional problems, kidney disease or liver disease. Elevated total protein indicates infection or inflammation (Such as Viral Hepatitis B or C, HIV) and low level is seen in Liver disorders, Kidney disorders and Malnutrition. It is a part of Liver Function Test. It is always advisable to go for complete profile, as level of each test in profile are considered while making decision on diagnosis as well as monitoring the treatment.

Protein - Total

Nutritional problems, kidney disease or Liver disease.

Kidney disease-Nausea, Vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep problem, changes in urine output, swelling of feet.Liver diseases-Abdominal pain, swelling in legs, Dark urine color, eyes and skin appears yellow, nausea, fatique, diarrhea, clubbed fingers. Multiple Myeloma-Bone Pain, nausea, constipation, Loss of appetite, fatique, frequent Infection, weight Loss, weakness or numbness, excessive thirst.

This lab test measures the levels of proteins called globulins in the fluid (serum) part of a blood sample. Globulins are a group of proteins within the blood. They are divided into three main groups: alpha, beta, and gamma. They are produced by the liver and the immune system. Globulins have multiple different functions; the group includes immunoglobulins, enzymes, carrier proteins and complement. Low level of globulin is a sign of several serious health conditions. Renal disease, hepatic dysfunction, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), acute hemolytic anemia, agammaglobulinemia and hypogammaglobulinemia can cause the globulin levels to drop. This is also a sign that proteins taken in by the digestive system are not being broken down or absorbed properly. Increased level of globulin may indicate acute infection, bone marrow cancer and chronic Inflammatory Bowel disease, Rheumatic Arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis.

Serum Globulin

Acute infection,bone marrow cancer and chronic Inflammatory Bowel disease rheumatic arthritis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosis

Fatique, fever, joint pain, rash, general ill feeling, weight loss or gain, sleep disturbance, muscle or joint pain, muscle weakness Rheumatic Arthritis-Joint pain, warm swollen joints, morning stiffness, fatique , fever, weight loss, firm bumps of nodules under the skin, Both sides of body affected.

a fat-soluble, toxic waste product formed from the breakdown of hemoglobin in red blood cells

compares two liver enzymes—AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT)—to identify the cause of liver injury

evaluates liver and kidney function, with low levels indicating potential disease or malnutrition

a blood test, typically ranging from 1.1 to 2.5, that compares albumin (produced by the liver) to globulin (immune system proteins) to assess liver function, kidney health, and nutritional status