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Understanding Liver Function

What each liver marker looks at — ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin and albumin — and why the pattern across them is what clinicians read.

Written by Omer Suliman · Last reviewed September 2026 · Educational information only

Medipher explains medical wording in plain English — it does not diagnose or replace a clinician. If this is a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.

What this collection covers

  • ALT
  • AST
  • ALP
  • Bilirubin
  • Albumin

Your learning pathway

Follow the steps in order, or jump to the part you need. The emphasis is understanding, not diagnosis.

  1. What liver function tests measureEnzymes and proteins that describe the liver and bile system, not one single function.
  2. ALTThe most liver-specific enzyme in the panel.
  3. ASTAn enzyme found in the liver but also in muscle.
  4. ALPRelates more to the bile ducts and to bone than to liver cells.
  5. BilirubinA pigment from old red blood cells that the liver clears.
  6. AlbuminThe main protein the liver makes, also affected by illness and nutrition.
  7. Understanding the patternWhy liver results are read as a group and often repeated.
  8. Questions to ask your doctorWhat to raise about medicines, repeats and next steps.

About this page

Medical reviewer
Clinical review pending
Last reviewed
September 2026

Evidence. Written from public patient-information sources including the NHS, NICE and the Association for Laboratory Medicine, and reviewed for plain-English accuracy before publication.

Educational content only. Medipher explains medical language in plain English. It does not diagnose, and it is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. Read the medical disclaimer.

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