Liver function tests

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition

Liver function tests help detect, evaluate and monitor liver disease or damage. Liver function tests generally refer to a group of blood tests that measure certain enzymes or proteins in your blood.

The term "liver function tests" can be misleading, because not all of these tests actually measure liver function. Some tests, such as albumin and bilirubin, do. These liver function tests measure how well the liver is producing the protein albumin and clearing a blood waste product, bilirubin. Other tests commonly done, but not true "liver function" tests, measure enzymes that liver cells release in response to damage or disease.

Together, liver function tests help evaluate the overall health of your liver and can sometimes indicate other diseases, such as malnutrition or bone disease.

Why it's done