elevated liver enzymes, AST AND ALT

[cumberland40]

As a requirements for employment, I had a prelim blood works done. They later called me that my liver ezymens were so elevated. My doctor ordered another blood tests this time to check for hepa a,b,c but they turned out negative. But then he confirmed that my live enzymes were still up. Any idea why? I will have another blood test next month to see if it goes down if not, then there will be other test. If there is any problem, could it hinder my employment as a RN????

[sirI, MSN, APRN, NP]

As a requirements for employment, I had a prelim blood works done. They later called me that my liver ezymens were so elevated. My doctor ordered another blood tests this time to check for hepa a,b,c but they turned out negative. But then he confirmed that my live enzymes were still up. Any idea why? I will have another blood test next month to see if it goes down if not, then there will be other test. If there is any problem, could it hinder my employment as a RN????

Were all enzymes elevated? ALT can fluctuate during the day and may or may not be indicative of any abnormalities. Also, can elevate during strenuous physical exercise.

Elevated enzymes can be from hep, mono, alcholo and/or viral problems, medications, Cushing's dz, some foods, .......many more.

Yes, you need to have check up and follow up with appropriate dx tests.

Good luck!!

[Celia M, ASN, RN]

A friend of mine had a LFTs done for an insurance policy physical and they were elevated, she is not a drinker etc and so had them rechecked and they were normal. The insurance company wanted 2 normal results and so the 2 nd ones came back really elevated. She saw her MD and was diagnosed with gallstones and had one in the common duct. She ended up with a lap chole and now feels much better. See your doctor, get the LFTs checked sooner than 1 month if need be. Good luck. Celia

[lsyorke, RN]

Are you on any medications?

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

It may be something or then again nothing as the other posters have noted. I had a physical a few years back about a week after I had been on vacation. My ALT was slightly elevated. Since none of the other test were abnormal the doctor wrote it off as either a false value or due to the fact while on vacation I had consumed more alcohol than I had in a long time. The key is to have a repeat test done at another time and to have appropriate medical followup.

Rj

[oramar]

Someone just told me their liver panel was elevated. A careful history by MD identified Tylenol and Motrin as the cause. Just thought I would mention it.