Which test would you expect to be ordered first to assess liver function?

The most appropriate first test to assess liver function is the liver function test (LFT). LFTs consist of a panel of blood tests that measure liver enzymes, proteins, and substances produced or processed by the liver. These tests provide immediate and crucial information about the overall health and functional capability of the liver.

Specifically, LFTs typically include assessments of enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which indicate liver cell injury, as well as alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels, which offer insight into cholestasis or bile duct obstruction. By evaluating these parameters, healthcare providers can quickly determine if there is liver dysfunction, inflammation, or damage, guiding further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions.

In contrast, other tests such as blood cultures, imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans, are secondary and are usually employed based on the findings from initial LFT results or clinical suspicion of specific liver disorders. Blood cultures are primarily used to diagnose infections rather than assess liver function. Ultrasounds and CT scans provide anatomical information but do not directly measure liver functionality. Therefore, LFTs serve as the initial, essential tool for evaluating liver health and directing patient management.