Hepatic Function Panel with GGT

Globulins are proteins produced by the immune system and liver that function in immunity and nutrient transport. When measured in body fluids, globulin levels help assess immune function and protein status in specific body compartments. Elevated globulins in fluids like cerebrospinal or peritoneal fluid may indicate infection, inflammation, or immune-related conditions, while low levels could suggest nutritional deficiency or immune suppression.

Albumin is a protein produced by the liver and normally found in very small amounts in body fluids like urine. Microalbumin testing detects trace levels of albumin in urine that aren't visible on standard tests. The presence of albumin in urine—called albuminuria—is an early warning sign of kidney damage. This can result from diabetes, high blood pressure, or other kidney disease. Regular albumin screening helps detect kidney problems before significant damage occurs, allowing for early intervention and management to slow or prevent progression.

Bilirubin is a yellowish compound produced when your body breaks down old red blood cells. When measured in pericardial fluid (fluid around the heart), elevated bilirubin can indicate liver disease, hemolysis (breakdown of red blood cells), or bile duct obstruction. It can also reflect pericardial inflammation or infection. This specialized test helps diagnose serious cardiac and metabolic conditions affecting the tissue surrounding your heart.

Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is an enzyme found in bones, liver, and intestines. It plays a role in bone formation and bile production. This test measures ALP levels to assess bone metabolism and liver function. Elevated ALP can indicate bone disease (osteoporosis, fractures, or Paget's disease), liver disease, or bile duct obstruction. Low levels are less common but may suggest nutritional deficiencies or genetic conditions. ALP is often part of routine health screening or organ function assessment.

Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) is an enzyme involved in amino acid metabolism. Urine GGT levels reflect kidney function and may indicate kidney disease or metabolic disorders. Elevated urinary GGT can suggest kidney tubular damage, certain genetic metabolic disorders, or systemic conditions affecting the kidneys. This enzyme is also found in the liver, so combined with liver function tests, it can help identify liver and kidney disease. Urine GGT testing is less common than serum testing but provides information about kidney-specific enzyme activity.

Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme found primarily in liver and muscle cells. When cells are damaged, AST leaks into the bloodstream where it can be measured. Elevated AST suggests liver damage from hepatitis, cirrhosis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol use, but can also reflect muscle injury from trauma, intense exercise, or heart attack. AST is typically ordered alongside other liver enzymes (ALT, alkaline phosphatase) to assess liver function. Moderate elevations may be temporary and benign, but persistent elevation requires investigation to identify the underlying cause.

Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme found primarily in liver cells that leaks into the bloodstream when liver tissue is damaged or inflamed. This blood test measures ALT levels to assess liver health and detect conditions like hepatitis, fatty liver disease, cirrhosis, or medication-related liver injury. Elevated ALT typically indicates liver damage or disease, while normal levels suggest the liver is functioning properly. ALT is often part of routine health screening and is essential for monitoring patients taking medications known to affect the liver.

This urine test measures the ratio of albumin to globulin proteins. Albumin is normally filtered minimally by healthy kidneys, while globulin appears in urine in very small amounts. An elevated albumin-to-globulin ratio in urine may indicate early kidney damage or diabetes-related kidney disease. Proteinuria (excess urinary protein) is an early warning sign of kidney dysfunction and cardiovascular risk. Monitoring this ratio helps track kidney health and response to treatment for diabetes or hypertension.

Except when measured by differential light absorption, direct bilirubin included glucuronidated and albumin bound (delta) bilirubin; Method can be WET CHEMISTRY or DRY SLIDE (TBIL-Bu)