Liver & LFTClinical Reference

Interpretation Patterns

Master the 10-second interpretation patterns and the systematic BAAGAP workflow for reading any LFT report in under 60 seconds.

10-Second Interpretation Patterns

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Hepatocellular Pattern

Criteria

  • ALT/AST High
  • ALP Normal or Mild ↑
Liver Cell Damage
🟡

Obstructive Pattern

Criteria

  • ALP High
  • GGT High
  • Bilirubin High
Bile Duct Obstruction
🟣

Chronic Liver Disease

Criteria

  • Albumin Low
  • Total Protein Low
Chronic Liver Damage

Real Lab Workflow (Follow This Order)

1
BILIRUBIN
Type of Jaundice
2
ALT/AST
Type of Liver Injury
3
ALP/GGT
Obstruction or Not
4
ALBUMIN
Chronic Liver Status

LFT Quick Mnemonic: B A A G A P

Remember: B A A G A P = Read LFTs in 60 Seconds

B
Bilirubin
A
ALT
A
AST
G
GGT
A
ALP
P
Protein

AST:ALT Ratio — Disease Differentiation

The ratio between AST and ALT helps narrow the differential diagnosis

ALT > AST → Typical Liver Injury

Viral HepatitisNAFLD / NASH

Seen in: Viral hepatitis, NAFLD/NASH, early disease stages

AST > ALT (ratio >2) → Alcoholic / Chronic

Alcoholic HepatitisAdvanced Cirrhosis

The "2:1 rule" — AST:ALT ratio greater than 2 strongly suggests alcoholic liver disease

Variable Pattern

CirrhosisHCC

In advanced disease, the pattern may be variable — rely on other markers (AFP, imaging, albumin)