Blood Drug Testing

What does it mean to have a high number come back for a blood test for your liver?

My boyfriend had a routine doctors visit and he had some bloodwork done...he said the number youre supposed to have for some kindof liver test is a 60 but his was a 90. The doctor told him he could possibly have an infection...what else could this high number mean? please help!!!

Public Comments

1. It could mean many things, ranging from completely harmless to serious conditions. The test you describe was probably an AST or (most likely) ALT--just guessing based on the numbers as normal ranges vary from laboratory to laboratory. Just for reference, in acute, severe liver damage these values can rise to 20,000 or above. These are very nonspecific tests. Many reasons for mild elevations are relatively inconsequential. For instance, these same enzymes are released into blood from muscle with strenuous exertion, so a vigorous workout could produce a mild elevation. A night or two of heavy drinking could certainly do it. Certain medications (i.e., cholesterol pills) often make these numbers increase. More concerningly, chronic liver diseases can produce low grade liver irritation resulting in mild increases in these values, but cause lasting damage to the liver over time. Your boyfriend's doctor may well recheck this value in 1-3 months. If still elevated, other blood tests for causes of liver dysfunction and an ultrasound of the liver could be indicated.