What are liver function tests in children?
Liver function tests check to see how well your child's liver is working.
The tests may include:
- Alkaline phosphatase (ALP).
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This test measures the amount of the enzyme ALP in your child's blood.
- Total serum protein and albumin.
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It measures the amounts of two major groups of proteins in your child's blood (albumin and globulin). It also measures the total amount of protein. An albumin test measures albumin only.
- Bilirubin.
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It measures the amount of bilirubin in your child's blood.
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).
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These tests measure the amount of the enzymes AST and ALT in the blood. (Aminotransferase is also known as a transaminase.)
Why are liver function tests done?
Liver tests are done when a medical history or physical exam suggests that something may be wrong with your liver.
These tests can also help diagnose infections. For instance, when liver enzymes are high, tests may be done to see if you have hepatitis.
If you are taking certain medicines, you may have liver tests to check that the medicine is working or that it is not harming your liver.
How is a liver function test done in children?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How do you prepare for your child's liver function tests?
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
What do the results of liver function tests mean?
Normal
All levels are within the normal range.
Abnormal
One or more levels are outside the normal range. Abnormal liver function tests may mean that your liver is inflamed or is not working normally. This can be a sign that you have a viral infection.
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