Liver Function Tests Liver function tests provide information about the health of the liver and the biliary system. The liver is a large abdominal organ, vital for life. The biliary system refers to organs and tissues involved in the production and secretion of bile.
Enzymes are specialized proteins involved in catalyzing chemical reactions in the body.
Certain enzymes are normally present at high levels in liver cells. In the case of liver disease, enzymes can leak out of injured liver cells, resulting in abnormally high blood levels of liver enzymes. While liver enzyme tests act as markers of liver injurty, 'true' liver function tests reflect the ability of the liver to perform its various vital functions. Bilirubin in the blood is taken up and processed by the liver, then secreted into the bile. Albumin is a major blood protein, produced by the liver.