What makes up the standard liver function test (LFT) panel?

• A. AST ALT ALP GGT Bili
• B. AST ALT GGT
• C. AST ALT Bili
• D. AST ALT ALP Bili

Answer: (A)

Testing liver health relies on markers that reflect different aspects of liver injury and function. A standard LFT panel includes enzymes from hepatocytes (AST and ALT), enzymes related to bile formation and flow (ALP and GGT), and a breakdown product processed by the liver (bilirubin). AST and ALT rise when liver cells are damaged, with ALT being more specific to the liver. ALP increases with biliary obstruction or cholestasis, and GGT helps confirm hepatic origin of that elevation because it’s induced in the liver but not in bone. Bilirubin elevation signals problems with processing or excretion of bile pigments, which can occur in both hepatocellular disease and biliary obstruction. Together, these components give a broad picture of hepatocellular injury and biliary function, which is why the panel that includes AST, ALT, ALP, GGT, and bilirubin is considered the standard set.