Liver Enzyme Tests Summary

Diagnostic Studies

Liver Enzyme Tests

  • AST (SGOT): Normal: 0-35 IU/L

    • Elevated conditions: myocardial infarction (MI), hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic tumor, acute pancreatitis, acute renal failure, acute hemolytic anemia.

  • ALT (SGPT): Normal: 5-35 IU/L

    • Elevated conditions: hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic tumors, hepatotoxic drugs.

  • LDH: Normal: 100-190 U/L

    • Elevated conditions: MI, pulmonary infarction, hepatic disease, pancreatitis, hemolytic anemia, skeletal muscle disease.

  • Alkaline Phosphatase: Normal: 30-120 units/L

    • Elevated in obstructive biliary disorders, hepatic tumors, cirrhosis, hepatitis, primary and metastatic tumors, hyperparathyroidism, metastatic tumors in bones, healing fractures.

  • GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transpeptidase): Normal: Males >45 years: 8-38 units/L; Females <45 years: 5-27 units/L

    • Elevated with liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis), hepatic tumors, hepatotoxic drugs, jaundice, MI (4-10 days after), heart failure, pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer.

Rationale

  • The liver stores many enzymes; injury or disease releases these enzymes into the bloodstream, causing elevated serum levels. This elevation is not specific to liver diseases only.

Nursing Interventions

  • Provide information about blood draws and testing.
  • Monitor venipuncture site for bleeding.