Which laboratory value is indicative of liver function?

Liver enzymes, specifically alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), are key indicators of liver function. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, these enzymes are released into the bloodstream, resulting in elevated levels. Therefore, measuring ALT and AST levels provides valuable insights into the liver's health and functionality.

In the context of assessing liver function, the presence of elevated liver enzymes typically signifies some form of liver injury, whether due to conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver disease, or alcohol-related liver disease. Monitoring these enzyme levels is crucial for identifying and managing liver-related health issues.

Other laboratory values, while important in overall health assessment, do not specifically reflect liver function. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is more related to kidney function, serum electrolytes help assess various bodily functions but do not directly indicate liver status, and a complete blood count (CBC) provides information about overall health, including immune function and anemia, rather than exclusively liver function.