The liver has a variety of functions, and by liver function tests we mean: a general term for the various functions of the liver. In a narrow sense, it refers to the general chemical tests related to liver function. The usual liver function refers to: blood cholesterol, total protein/albumin, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, ALT and AST (i.e., the original GPT, GOT), etc. ALT, AST ALT and AST are enzymes found in liver cells and are released into the blood when liver cells are damaged and destroyed. The values of these two enzymes are increased in acute and chronic hepatitis. Both enzymes give a general indication of the degree of hepatitis. With normal values below 40, ALT is relatively more accurate than AST. However, it is not a correct indicator of the degree of chronic hepatitis. Therefore, patients do not need to be overly sensitive to changes in enzyme values of 10 to 20. The important thing is to look at the course of the disease and the overall trend. In cirrhosis, ALT and AST values often appear normal, so patients with liver disease must pay attention to regular follow-up. Bilirubin is an indicator of jaundice. The liver has the function of secreting and excreting bile. When the function of liver cells is insufficient, the bile excretion function of the liver becomes impaired, resulting in an increase in the bilirubin value in the blood. Bilirubin values may increase when chronic hepatitis is severe or when there is cirrhosis, and in patients with cirrhosis, bilirubin values are also an indicator of the number of remaining hepatocyte functions. Albumin Albumin accounts for 50-60% of serum protein and is synthesized by the liver. When the number of functioning hepatocytes is not sufficient, the amount of albumin synthesized is not sufficient, resulting in a decrease in serum albumin. This means that the serum albumin concentration reflects the degree of residual liver function. When albumin decreases, it can lead to generalized swelling.