Final answer:
Serum alkaline phosphatase is used to diagnose liver disease by measuring its levels in the blood. Elevated levels can indicate liver damage or obstruction in the bile ducts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Serum alkaline phosphatase is used to diagnose liver disease by measuring its levels in the blood. Elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase in the blood can indicate liver damage or obstruction in the bile ducts. However, it is important to note that alkaline phosphatase is not specific to the liver, as it is also present in other tissues such as bone and placental tissue.
It is important to consider the overall liver function panel, including other liver enzymes such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), to get a comprehensive assessment of liver health.