What kind of tests would be done to evaluate a patient’s liver function?

The evaluation of a patient's liver function is most accurately done through liver function tests, which include specific blood tests such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and bilirubin levels. ALT and AST are enzymes that are released into the bloodstream when liver cells are damaged, making them crucial indicators of liver health. Bilirubin levels help determine how well the liver is processing waste products. When liver function is compromised, these levels typically become abnormal, signaling potential liver disease or dysfunction.

In contrast, other tests mentioned, such as a complete blood count and electrolyte panel, focus on different aspects of health and do not directly assess liver function. Urinalysis and glucose tolerance tests are aimed at diagnosing conditions like diabetes and kidney function, while chest X-rays and ECGs are utilized to evaluate cardiovascular health and lung conditions, neither of which provide insights into liver function. Therefore, liver function tests are the appropriate choice for assessing the health and functionality of the liver.