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Laboratory and Microbiological Tests

Liver Enzymes and Bilirubin

Liver Enzymes (ALT, AST, GGT, ALP)

What are they?

These are blood tests that help assess the condition of the liver and bile ducts.

What do they indicate?

  • ALT – the most sensitive marker of liver cell injury.
  • AST – a liver enzyme that may also be elevated in people with heart or muscle conditions.
  • GGT – most commonly elevated in people with bile duct conditions, as a result of alcohol consumption or due to certain medicines.
  • Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) – helps assess problems affecting the flow of bile.

When are these tests performed?

  • During routine health checks.
  • When liver disease is suspected.
  • To assess the effects of medicines on the liver.
  • In people who are overweight or have metabolic syndrome.
  • When viral hepatitis is suspected.

How should you prepare?

No special preparation is usually required, although it is advisable to avoid alcohol before the test.

Do elevated liver enzymes indicate severe liver disease?

No. A mild elevation is common and does not necessarily indicate a serious condition. The results should always be assessed alongside other tests and the clinical circumstances.

Bilirubin

What is it?

Bilirubin is a pigment produced when red blood cells break down. It is processed by the liver and excreted in bile.

When is it tested?

  • when the skin or whites of the eyes become yellow;
  • when liver or biliary tract disease is suspected;
  • when there are unexplained changes in liver enzyme levels.

What can an elevated bilirubin level indicate?

There are many possible causes:

  • Gilbert’s syndrome, a common and harmless condition;
  • liver disease;
  • bile duct obstruction;
  • increased breakdown of red blood cells.

A diagnosis cannot be made based on the bilirubin level alone.

Important. This information has been prepared for patient education purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. Preparation instructions for individual tests may vary depending on the healthcare provider, the patient’s health and the planned procedure. Always follow the individual instructions provided to you.
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