RUQ flash cards Labs

What enzyme is less specific than ALT and increases with viral hepatitis, HCD, muscle damage, and heart disease?

AST

AST

Enzyme present in many tissues when cells are damaged.

Which enzyme is a very sensitive predictor of liver cell destruction and is elevated in HCD, biliary obstruction, and pancreatitis?

ALT

ALT

Found in high concentrations in the liver, low in heart and kidneys.

What lab value is the most specific indicator of biliary obstruction?

Alkaline Phosphatase

Alkaline Phosphatase

Produced by liver, biliary tract, bone, and placenta.

Which enzyme increases with biliary obstruction when paired with ALP, and with HCD when paired with ALT?

(GGT) Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

Found in hepatocytes, bile duct epithelium, pancreas, kidneys.

Which enzyme is found in many tissues and plays a crucial role in converting sugar to energy in cells? It is not specific for HCD but can be used to monitor some
carcinomas?

Lactate dehydrogenase- LDH

Which protein is synthesized in the liver and associated with HCC when decreased?

Albumin

Albumin

Used for protein synthesis evaluation

Which protein is excreted by the liver and is associated with blood clotting

PT (Prothrombin)

Which test evaluates the ability to appropriately form blood clots and is prolonged with cirrhosis/malignancy?

PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time).

Which lab value is a byproduct of hemoglobin breakdown and has direct and indirect forms?

Bilirubin

Bilirubin

• Direct: HCD & biliary obstruction

• Indirect: RBC destruction

What enzyme found in pancreas and salivary glands is used to assess inflammation and diagnose acute pancreatitis?

Amylase

What glycoprotein from the pancreas changes fats to fatty acids and remains elevated longer in pancreatitis?

Lipase

What blood component increases with liver disease and diabetes, and decreases in islet cell tumors?

Glucose

Which blood count signals infection and is elevated in conditions like cholangitis?

WBC (White Blood Cells)

A drop in this lab value is concerning for hemorrhage.

Hematocrit

Normal protein produced fetal liver and yolk sac; decreases after age 1yr

Increased serum levels with primary liver cancers, liver metastasis, hepatitis and non
-seminomatous testicular cancers

Alpha Fetoprotein (AFP)

This protein when elevated has a strong connection to pancreatic carcinoma

CA 19-9