Which test is used to help assess liver injury aside from ALT?

The test used to help assess liver injury, aside from ALT, is AST (aspartate aminotransferase). AST is an enzyme found in various tissues throughout the body, including the liver, heart, and muscles. In cases of liver injury or liver disease, AST is typically released into the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels that can be detected through blood tests.

Both ALT and AST are important for evaluating liver function and damage. While ALT is more liver-specific, AST can also provide helpful information about liver health, particularly when interpreted together with ALT levels. The ratio of AST to ALT can further assist healthcare providers in diagnosing specific conditions affecting the liver.

Other options listed, such as amylase or prolactin, do not play a primary role in liver function assessment, as amylase is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and is primarily associated with the pancreas. Prolactin is a hormone related to lactation and doesn't provide information relevant to liver health. Albumin, while a protein synthesized by the liver, is not a direct indicator of acute liver injury; instead, it is used to assess liver function over longer periods. Therefore, AST is the most appropriate choice for assessing liver injury alongside ALT.