Its level is often checked to determine how well the liver is working to make proteins, one of its major jobs. The combinations of these elevations can be helpful in trying to sort out the cause of liver test elevations. However, since the range of possible causes is so wide, oftentimes more testing needs to be done. CT scanning is often helpful to exclude solid tumors or lesions of the liver as a possible cause. Ultrasound of the liver is particularly helpful to exclude problems in the gallbladder and bile ducts.
Liver biopsy is often necessary to help sort out the various causes of liver disease.
It is sometimes the best test to sort out the reason for persistent elevations in liver tests. The bottom line that when such abnormalities are found, one needs close and careful followup with their health care professional to help sort out the reason for the abnormality.