liver function for an alcoholic?

Question

My sister is an alcoholic. She's been admitted numerous times to the ER. My mom finally got a copy of her blood work. Her liver function was not in normal range. Her ALT was 107 and her AST was 212. POLYS was 90?? I have no idea what these numbers mean. Are the liver numbers accurate? Is her liver shutting down? Or is this just a false reading since she recently consumed alcohol.

Answer 1

The liver produces certain enzymes. A normal, healthy liver keeps these enzymes in itself, while an injured or damaged liver will spill the enzymes into the blood stream. The two most important enzymes are aspartate aminotransferase (AST or SGOT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT or SGPT).
The normal range of values for AST (SGOT) is from 5 to 40 units per liter and for ALT (SGPT) it is from 7 to 56 units per liter.
It is important to note that an elevated result does not absolutely mean there is liver damage present. Only your doctor is qualified to make that judgment. If it is determined that damage is present, stopping the alchohol consumption may be all that it is needed for the liver to heal itself.

Answer 2

It really is your SISTER'S business and no one Else's. Lab values are confidential and so are her visits for medical care. HIPPAA prevents the release of medical records except to qualified medical personnel and under certain circumstances with the appropriate documentation to the patient. If you and your mother are concerned about your sister, you need to find an ALANON organization and learn how you can best help her.

Answer 3

Try this:

http://www.atihealthnet.com/pages/labtests.html