The liver, along with other organs and glands of the human body, has proteins associated with its growth and function known as enzymes. Liver enzymes are often monitored in diagnostic examinations such as the liver function test to determine if a person has a liver disease and the extent of the damage that has been suffered by the liver. Though this organ is able to regenerate and heal itself over time, severe damage can pose other health concerns for a patient.

Liver Enzymes Background

Liver enzymes are a group of proteins that are associated with the different functions of the liver as it filters the blood and other fluids of the body. Elevated liver enzymes are often indicative of a potential health risk such as cirrhosis of the liver or another health problem. These enzymes are able to be identified in a liver function test which will determine the cause of the problem. These diagnostic tools then allow a physician to administer treatment.

Liver Function Test

A liver function test, as the name suggests, is a laboratory examination performed to ascertain both the performance and status of a person's liver. As enzymes are released by and interact with the liver, physicians and laboratory technicians are able to determine if a person's liver is healthy or has a form of liver disease such as cirrhosis. There are multiple liver function tests that can be administered based on the enzymes used to make an observation of the liver.

Liver Function Test Results

The results of a liver function test are dependent on the health status of a person's liver and the potential liver disease that a patient may have. As there are several enzyme assays associated with this laboratory examination, liver function tests may be affected by the interaction of those enzymes and how they are observed. The results, however, can accurately determine if a person does in fact have a liver disease and the development of that disease on the liver.