Final answer:
Liver enzymes should be checked before diagnosing and managing liver-related conditions to assess liver function. Elevated levels of enzymes like ALT, AST, and GGT may indicate liver damage from hepatitis, alcohol misuse, or other causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Looking at liver enzymes is crucial before diagnosing and treating conditions that can affect liver function such as hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, or to monitor the potential for liver damage from medications. Tests such as liver function tests (LFTs) help detect elevated levels of enzymes such as alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Elevated levels of these enzymes can indicate liver disease or damage. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) may be assessed when liver damage or hemolysis (breaking down of red blood cells) is suspected. Furthermore, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) can be particularly important in evaluating liver function for those with a history of alcohol use. These tests can also suggest other diagnoses, such as myocarial infarction, pancreatitis, or gallbladder disease.