What lab test is used to assess liver function?

The liver function tests (LFTs) are specifically designed to assess the functional status of the liver. These tests measure various enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver, providing crucial information about liver health and function. Key components of LFTs include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin levels, and albumin, among others.

These parameters help diagnose liver diseases, monitor the progression of liver conditions, and evaluate the liver's ability to produce proteins and clear waste products from the blood. Thus, LFTs are the primary laboratory tests utilized when assessing liver function and diagnosing liver-related diseases.

Your other options—such as complete blood count (CBC), renal function tests (RFTs), and coagulation panel—serve different purposes. For instance, a CBC provides information about overall blood health and can indicate issues such as anemia or infection, while RFTs focus on kidney function. The coagulation panel assesses the blood's ability to clot but does not provide specific insights into liver functionality. Therefore, LFTs are the most relevant in this context for evaluating liver function.