Liver Tests

What is the most specific liver test? AST, ALT, ALP, or albumin

Aminotransferases

AST and ALT are liver enzymes that catalyze transfer of amino groups in gluconeogenesis. AST catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from aspartic acid to ketoglutaric acid to produce oxaloacetic acid. ALT catalyzes the transfer of an amino group from alanine to ketoglutaric acid to produce pyruvic acid. AST is found in many tissues including the liver, skeletal muscle, cardiac muscle, kidney, brain, pancreas, lungs and red blood cells. ALT is found mainly in the liver and is more specific for liver disease than AST.

Alkaline phosphatase

ALP is found in the liver, but also in the bone and kidney.

Albumin

Albumin is made by the liver, and the albumin level can be used as a way of measuring liver function. Poor liver function can affect albumin levels, however, other factors can too – including poor nutrition and renal dysfunction.