What are the five liver function tests?

Jan 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Gao Jun

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the term "liver function five-item panel" refers to a set of routine blood test indicators used to assess liver health. These five indicators include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including balanced nutrition, moderate exercise, smoking cessation, and limited alcohol consumption.

Generally, the term "liver function five items" refers to a set of routine blood test indicators used to assess liver health. These five indicators include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and indirect bilirubin. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

Alanine aminotransferase is an enzyme primarily found in liver cells. When liver cells are damaged, ALT is released into the bloodstream, causing elevated serum ALT levels.

2. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

Aspartate aminotransferase is also present in liver cells, but it is widely distributed in other tissues such as the heart muscle and skeletal muscles. Elevated AST levels may indicate liver cell damage, but they can also be associated with non-liver diseases such as myocardial infarction or skeletal muscle injury.

3. Total Bilirubin

Total bilirubin represents the total amount of bilirubin in the blood, including both direct and indirect bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown and is metabolized and excreted by the liver.

4. Direct Bilirubin

Direct bilirubin is bilirubin that has been processed by the liver and is ready for excretion. Elevated direct bilirubin levels are usually associated with bile duct obstruction, such as bile stones or bile duct inflammation, which impede bile excretion.

5. Indirect Bilirubin

Indirect bilirubin is the unprocessed form of bilirubin. Increased indirect bilirubin levels may be related to impaired liver function in bilirubin synthesis or excretion, such as excessive red blood cell destruction caused by hemolytic anemia, or bilirubin metabolism disorders caused by liver disease.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, moderate exercise, smoking cessation, and alcohol moderation, is important. Regular physical examinations, especially liver function tests, should be conducted to detect and address potential liver problems promptly.

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What does the eight-item liver function test check?

Under normal circumstances, the eight items of liver function tests mainly include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total protein, albumin, and globulin. Specific test items may vary slightly between hospitals. Before undergoing the eight-item liver function test, it is recommended to maintain a light diet and avoid greasy, fried, high-fat, and high-cholesterol foods.

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What does the three-item liver function test check?

The three main indicators for liver function tests are alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT). It is important to maintain a balanced diet in daily life, avoiding excessive intake of fat, sugar, and salt, while consuming more foods rich in vitamins and minerals. Additionally, engaging in moderate aerobic exercise can help promote metabolism and blood circulation, thereby reducing the burden on the liver.

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How much does the 5-item liver function test cost?

Under normal circumstances, "liver function 5 items" refers to the five-item liver function test. The general reference price for the five-item liver function test is 50–300 yuan per session. The price of this test may be affected by factors such as individual conditions, additional services, test package combinations, testing equipment and technology, and regional cost of living. It is recommended to check with the local hospital for the actual price.

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What diseases can be detected by the 7 liver function tests?

Under normal circumstances, the seven-item liver test mainly includes liver function tests, liver enzyme profile, bilirubin measurement, and liver imaging examinations. The seven-item liver test can be used to diagnose whether a person has viral hepatitis, gallstones, fatty liver, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Please note that the above tests can only provide preliminary diagnosis and cannot confirm a diagnosis definitively.