Abbott's liver function assays are designed to help evaluate liver health. Albumin is the major blood protein and is produced by the liver. Two dye binding assays, BCG and BCP, are used to measure albumin, which is decreased or increased in various diseases. The common liver enzymes ALT and AST are important markers for conditions such as hepatitis.
Hepatic malfunction is indicated by abnormal levels of direct and total bilirubin. Ammonia is a marker of acute liver failure and the enzyme GGT is associated with alcohol abuse and liver cirrhosis. Bile acids produced by the liver are necessary to lipid metabolism. All of these can be used to narrow and accurately assess disease states and treatment options.