Higher AST, ALT or GGT does not, by itself, identify a liver disease or prove liver failure. These enzymes can point toward injury or a bile duct issue, while albumin and bilirubin describe different aspects of health. Korea’s general screening addresses liver disease, but check the exact tests printed on your own report.
What do the three enzymes tell you?
| Report term | Key distinction |
|---|---|
| AST (GOT) | It is also found in muscle and other tissues. AST alone cannot identify the cause. |
| ALT (GPT) | An enzyme associated with liver cells. Read the degree and trend alongside other results. |
| GGT (gamma-GTP) | Often considered with liver and bile duct tests; discuss alcohol and medicines in context. |
Why is the name “liver function tests” imperfect?
A liver panel may contain enzymes such as AST, ALT, ALP and GGT, plus bilirubin, albumin and other measures. These substances answer different questions. An enzyme rise may call for investigating an injury, while some other results speak to functions such as protein production. Do not assume a test was performed if it is not listed on your report.
Four checks before drawing a conclusion
- Read the unit, often U/L, and that laboratory’s reference interval.
- Record earlier results, recent illness, strenuous exercise, alcohol, medicines and supplements. Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own.
- Review symptoms and any bilirubin, ALP or albumin results with a clinician, rather than interpreting one enzyme in isolation.
- Ask why another test is needed and when it should be done.
When should I seek prompt medical advice?
Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine with pale stools, severe abdominal pain or persistent vomiting deserve medical assessment rather than waiting for a routine checkup review. A clinician can determine urgency in your situation.
Questions to ask
- Is just one result raised, or is there a pattern across several tests?
- Which medicines, supplements, alcohol use or exercise details should I report?
- Which follow-up tests, and at what time, would clarify the cause?
Bring a medicine and supplement list and the lab results log.
For another test on your report, return to the lab result guide.
Sources and review
- Korea National Rehabilitation Center: screening scope
- US National Library of Medicine: Liver Function Tests
General information, not an individual diagnosis or instruction to change medicines. No independent specialist review was performed. Editorial check: September 27, 2026.