Introduction
Liver values are defined as certain measurable parameters in the blood, which can usually be displayed in the blood count (routine laboratory) when taking blood samples. If the laboratory values differ from the average standard values, this can be an indication of a functional disorder or disease of the liver. The regular collection of liver values also serves as a follow-up.
There are three liver values that are taken regularly and also routinely. They are also summarized under transaminases. They belong to the group of enzymes that are necessary for cleavage processes during detoxification. The following liver values are checked routinely or when disease is suspected: A supplementary examination of the so-called cholestasis parameters (bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase) can also be considered.
- GPT
- GOT
- Gamma GT
GPT increased
GPT (glutamate pyruvate transaminase) is an enzyme located inside the liver cells. An increase in GPT usually indicates damage to liver cells. A small increase in GPT usually means that only a few liver cells have been damaged.
If there is still no increase in GOT, which in comparison to GPT is more likely to indicate more severe damage to the liver, only slight damage to the liver can be assumed. In contrast, a strong increase in GPT usually means that many liver cells have been destroyed. In rare cases, there may be other causes for an increase in GPT, such as increased hemolysis (increased breakdown of red blood cells).
GOT increased
The GOT (glutamate oxalacetate transaminase) is also an enzyme found inside liver cells. An increase in GOT can also indicate damage to liver cells. A strong increase in GOT tends to indicate that many liver cells have been destroyed, while a weak increase tends to indicate that only a few liver cells have been destroyed.
In comparison to GPT, an increase in the GOT is more likely to indicate greater damage to the liver. However, the GOT is not only found in the liver, but also in the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Therefore, an increase in GOT can also have other causes than liver damage. For example, an increase in GOT can also occur in the course of a heart attack. This is therefore often determined when a heart attack is suspected.
All articles in this series:
