Bilirubin Total, Direct & Indirect Test

The amylase fluid test is used to measure the amount of amylase in different body fluids, such as pleural fluid (fluid in the chest cavity) or peritoneal fluid (fluid in the abdominal cavity). Amylase is an enzyme that helps in the digestion of carbohydrates. Most of the amylase enzyme is produced by the pancreas and salivary glands. High amylase levels indicate pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); hence this test is used to diagnose pancreatitis. High amylase levels in the pleural fluid are associated with pancreatitis, esophageal rupture, malignancy, pneumonia, and liver cirrhosis.

An Alkaline Phosphatase test (ALP test) is used to determine the levels of alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the blood. . Elevated levels of Alkaline Phosphatase indicate cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), viral hepatitis, and congestive heart failure (a heart condition where heart is unable to pump blood as well as it should). Hence, this test is performed as a part of the liver function test or if one experiences symptoms of obstructive liver disorder like loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Lower levels of alkaline phosphatase are a sign of lack of zinc, malnutrition, pernicious anemia (reduced levels of red blood cells and inability to absorb vitamin B12), thyroid disease, Wilson’s disease (a rare disorder where there is too much accumulation of copper in the liver, brain and other organs), or hypophosphatasia (a rare genetic disease that affects bones and teeth). This test is also indicated in the case of possible metabolic bone disorders such as bone pain and sensitivity to bone fractures.

The Aspartate Aminotransferase test or SGOT test is done to detect proper liver function. AST is also called Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) Test. The levels of AST are raised when there is occurrence of liver damage. Elevated AST levels in the blood can determine the presence of conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other situations causing liver damage such as drug use. High levels of AST, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin), or exposure to the hepatitis virus indicate the risk of damaged liver.

The Total bilirubin test measures the amount of bilirubin present in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellowish pigment made during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. A serum bilirubin test is advised if one experiences symptoms of liver disease such as dark-colored urine, jaundice, and vomiting. Serum bilirubin test is done as a part of a liver profile test (LFT test) or may be indicated in specific conditions like jaundice or liver cirrhosis caused by heavy alcohol intake or to assess the overall health status of the liver.

Albumin and globulin are two types of proteins found in the human body. Albumin transports drugs and hormones throughout the body. It also helps in the growth and healing of tissues. Globulin is a group of proteins, some of which are produced by the liver and our immune system. They help to fight against infection and the transfer of nutrients. The A:G Ratio test also compares the amount of albumin in your blood to the amount of globulin. The comparison is called the albumin/globulin (A/G) ratio. Lower levels of the A/G ratio may be caused by an autoimmune disease, such as lupus, liver, or kidney disease. On the other hand, a high A/G ratio may be caused by genetic disorders or leukemia.

The Alanine amino-transferase test, also known as the serum glutamate-pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) test, is done to measure the amount of alanine amino-transferase (ALT) enzyme in the blood. SGPT / ALT are excellent markers of hepatocellular injury. ALT is normally found in liver cells and released in the blood when the liver gets damaged. Elevated ALT levels indicate the presence of viral infection, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcoholic hepatitis, or muscle injury. The ALT test is indicated in patients having a family history of liver disease, jaundice, exposure to the hepatitis virus, or being a heavy drinker.

An Alkaline Phosphatase test (ALP test) is used to determine the levels of alkaline phosphatase enzymes in the blood. . Elevated levels of Alkaline Phosphatase indicate cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), viral hepatitis, and congestive heart failure (a heart condition where heart is unable to pump blood as well as it should). Hence, this test is performed as a part of the liver function test or if one experiences symptoms of obstructive liver disorder like loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Lower levels of alkaline phosphatase are a sign of lack of zinc, malnutrition, pernicious anemia (reduced levels of red blood cells and inability to absorb vitamin B12), thyroid disease, Wilson’s disease (a rare disorder where there is too much accumulation of copper in the liver, brain and other organs), or hypophosphatasia (a rare genetic disease that affects bones and teeth). This test is also indicated in the case of possible metabolic bone disorders such as bone pain and sensitivity to bone fractures.

The Aspartate Aminotransferase test or SGOT test is done to detect proper liver function. AST is also called Serum Glutamic-Oxaloacetic Transaminase (SGOT) Test. The levels of AST are raised when there is occurrence of liver damage. Elevated AST levels in the blood can determine the presence of conditions like hepatitis, cirrhosis, or other situations causing liver damage such as drug use. High levels of AST, abdominal pain, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin), or exposure to the hepatitis virus indicate the risk of damaged liver.

Liver function tests are blood tests used to diagnose and monitor liver disease or damage. LFT screening test is indicated in patients with hepatitis for screening, cirrhosis(scarring of liver) for measuring severity of the disease, and alcoholic liver disease. LFT measures the level of liver enzymes like alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) present in the blood. Increased liver enzymes in the blood may indicate liver damage in the body. LFT test also includes Bilirubin Total, Direct & Indirect tests that measure the levels of bilirubin in the blood.