Liver and Kidney Function Test

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that carries substances such as hormones, medicines, and enzymes throughout the body. Albumin also helps keep fluid in the blood from leaking into tissues. Burns, open wounds, or malnutrition can also lower albumin. However, low albumin levels can indicate problems with the liver or kidneys. If your albumin level is lower than normal, follow-up with your healthcare provider is needed to rule out problems with your liver or kidneys.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found primarily in the liver, bile ducts, and bones. ALP can also be found in the bones, heart, intestines, placenta, and kidneys. Elevated levels of ALP can indicate damage to any of these areas, particularly the liver or bones. If your test result indicates elevated ALP levels, further tests will be needed to identify the source of the increase.

The enzyme ALT is mainly found in the cells of the liver and in smaller amounts within the kidneys, heart and muscle tissue. If the liver is damaged, blood ALT levels can increase. When the drainage of bile fluid is obstructed, blood ALT levels can also rise.

Bilirubin is an orange-yellow substance that is created during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Bilirubin passes through the liver before being excreted from the body. Elevated levels of bilirubin can indicate liver or bile duct problems. Too much bilirubin in the bloodstream can cause jaundice, which causes the eyes and skin to turn yellow.

Creatinine is a waste product arising from the normal breakdown of muscle tissue. Elevated creatinine levels can indicate impaired kidney function or kidney disease, although a higher level can also result from a large muscle mass, dehydration, or creatine supplements. If the kidneys are impaired, blood creatinine levels increase due to poor clearance of creatinine by the kidneys.

eGFR stands for estimated glomerular filtration rate. This value is derived using the amount of creatinine in the blood and indicates how well the kidneys are functioning. A lowered eGFR means that the filtration abilities of the kidneys are reduced, which may indicate impaired kidney function. Poor kidney function can be caused by kidney infections, kidney stones, high blood pressure, diabetes, dehydration, or certain medications.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase (Gamma-GT or GGT) is an enzyme made in the liver that helps convert and digest substances that enter the body through food and drink. Normally the concentration of GGT in the blood is very low, but can become elevated when the liver is overloaded. This happens when the liver must process a high quantity of certain substances in a short period of time, for example with excessive use of certain medications or alcohol. GGT values will also rise when the bile ducts are blocked, with gallbladder problems, or as a result of liver damage. The oral contraceptive pill can cause a decrease in GGT.