Liver function tests are blood tests to find out if your liver is inflamed or damaged. Physicians conduct certain tests to check some chemicals that are produced by the liver, and to check if your liver is working well. Liver blood tests measure bilirubin, albumin and prothrombin time (blood clotting). Liver function blood test may also be used to study liver enzymes.
If a person has a high level of any of the following, then it means that his liver is damaged. Doctors look out for excessive levels of: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT), and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Too much of the latter means that there is blockage in the bile ducts.
The tests can come up with two kinds of findings – normal and abnormal. In normal results, all the levels are of normal range. Abnormal test results mean that one or more than one of the levels is not within the normal range. The results might indicate that the liver isn't working normally or is inflamed. The results might indicate that you have a viral infection. More on liver function test results
High levels of liver enzymes means that other than hepatitis, you may have autoimmune hepatitis, hepatitis B, obesity, or have been consuming alcohol for a long time. If the physician feels that you are showing signs of hepatitis c, then you will need to get more tests done for further assessment. The doctor can work on a treatment plan in accordance with the liver test results.