The main function of a liver function test is to monitor whether the liver is working properly. When looking at the checklist, you may want to skip the complicated names and numbers and look directly for the “H” or “L” symbols or the up and down arrows after these numbers. If there are no such signs on the whole sheet, congratulations! All of your tests are within normal limits! If you see these signs, then you should be worried, “H” or up arrow means high, “L” or down arrow means low. Aminotransferases In liver function tests, people pay the most attention to aminotransferases. There are two types of aminotransferases: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and glutamic oxalacetic aminotransferase (AST). Simply put, elevated levels of these two indicators often mean that liver cells are damaged. Such damage can be caused by inflammation, but also by alcoholism, drugs, etc. Although, these two enzymes are not confined to the liver in the body. However, when they are elevated at the same time, it may indicate that there is something wrong with your liver. Bilirubin Bilirubin is also a problematic indicator in liver function tests and is the main culprit of “jaundice”. There are two types of bilirubin: direct bilirubin (also known as conjugated bilirubin) and indirect bilirubin (also known as unconjugated bilirubin), and the two types of bilirubin are counted together as the total bilirubin in the laboratory test. These two types of bilirubin can be said to be the “father and son” relationship. Every day, a certain number of red blood cells are destroyed in the blood, and these red blood cells are capable of releasing indirect bilirubin. The normal liver takes up this indirect bilirubin every day and converts it into direct bilirubin for excretion. In addition to liver damage, excessive red blood cell destruction and impaired direct bilirubin excretion can also cause bilirubin to be higher than normal. Albumin Albumin is also an important indicator of liver function. Albumin is an important component of blood plasma and has many important physiological functions. This protein is synthesized by the liver. Naturally, there is only one cause of elevated albumin – dehydration. Therefore, it is common to see lower than normal albumin in clinical practice. This can be caused by insufficient synthesis, too little intake (e.g. malnutrition) or too much loss (e.g. nephrotic syndrome). After the above explanation, I believe you have a general understanding of liver function tests. When you get an abnormal test report, please do not panic. Because sometimes abnormal liver function may be related to factors such as lack of strict fasting the night before, lab errors, etc., the first thing you should do is to retest. If the results are still problematic, then you should take it seriously enough to go to the hospital for regular treatment.