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[ChinitoDr]

Blood Test : Liver Profile

The liver profile produces a quantitative measurement of the liver enzymes in the blood stream. These enzymes are typically present in the blood within certain normal ranges. The abnormal elevation of these enzymes is seen in cases such as:

1. LIVER CANCER

2. CIRRHOSIS (from alcohol or other causes)

3. HEPATITIS (viral infection and alcohol abuse account for the majority of cases)

4. DRUG SIDE EFFECTS (many medications can alter these values)

5. METASTATIC CANCER (cancer from remote parts of the body often invades liver)

6. GALLBLADDER STONES

* This helpful test is frequently part of the evaluation for unexplained abdominal pain. The liver profile is performed from a venipuncture specimen.

APPROXIMATE NORMAL VALUES

Alkaline Phosphatase (Alk Phos)..............20 to 90 international units per liter (elevated in cases of hepatitis, gallbladder disease, alcohol abuse, Paget's disease, bone tumors, drug side effect, and some cancers. Bilirubin (total)................................0.1 to 1.2 milligrams per deciliter (elevated in cases of ethanol induced liver disease, hepatitis, hemolytic anemia, mononucleosis, drug side effects, and gallbladder disease).

Serum Glutamic Oxalacetic Transaminase (SGOT)...10 to 40 international units per deciliter (elevated in hepatitis, some cases of mononucleosis, and secondary to drugs or alcohol). Since it is also present in cardiac muscle, it can be elevated in the case of myocardial infarction.

Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT)......10 to 30 international units per deciliter (elevated in hepatitis, some cases of mononucleosis, and secondary to drugs or alcohol).

Gamma Glutamyl Transpeptidase (GGT)......0-45 international units per deciliter (elevated in hepatitis, mononucleosis, drug side effects, and alcohol abuse).

credits: http://www.health-care-information.org/medical-tests/liver-blood-test.htm